Didn’t pay attention to the safety: Blue Bell, FDA had Listeria warning signs at Alabama plant years ago

by Doug Powell

On the heels of reaching a deal with Alabama state health officials to boost testing and other safety measures, federal reports show Blue Bell Creameries was also warned of leaks and hygiene issues at its facilities in that state as far back as 2011.

Over the course of at least a half dozen visits by Alabama state health department inspectors dating back to 2010, reports show that the Blue Bell facility in Sylacauga, Ala., saw issues also seen at its plants in Broken Arrow, Okla., and Brenham, where the company is based. The reports were obtained by the American-Statesman as part of an open records request.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, did not follow up directly at that plant until this year when reports revealed listeria-related concerns for Blue Bell’s products.

Blue Bell Creameries responded Tuesday afternoon to the federal and state inspection reports, saying the company takes inspections seriously and is currently conducting a thorough review of their operations.

On Monday, Blue Bell struck a deal with Alabama state health officials like ones it had brokered two weeks ago in Texas and Oklahoma to step up testing and safety measures when production resumes. The agreement with the state of Alabama also says there will be a trial production period before products are shipped to consumers.

---

© 2015 US Food Safety Corporation. No copyright claim is made for portions of this blog and linked items that are works of the United States Government, state governments or third parties.

Tagged: barfblog, blue bell, ice cream

from US Food Safety http://ift.tt/1JrkCIo