Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries, which pulled all its products from stores in April, was aware one of its production facilities tested positive for Listeria more than two years ago, according to recent documents released by FDA. But no recalls were issued until this year, after an outbreak of Listeriosis was linked to the company’s ice cream products.
On Thursday, FDA released the results of its investigations into Blue Bell plants in Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama. The documents detail 17 presumptive positive tests for Listeria at the Oklahoma plant dating back to March 2013, when the bacteria were first found on non-food contact surfaces. Subsequent tests were positive for the presence of Listeria around the plant and on equipment.