STATE ANNOUNCES PENALTY FOR BLUE BELL
The state of Texas has reportedly finalized its penalty agreement with Blue Bell Creameries following last year's Listeria monocytogenes outbreak.
According to state officials Blue Bell’s fine is $850,000. Of that amount, $175,000 must be paid within 30 days.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the penalty was issued against the company "because it allowed adulterated product to enter the market place and cause illness."
Officials say the remaining balance will not have to be paid if Blue Bell follows the terms in the agreement for 18 months. The company will continue to test and monitor its ice cream.
In the department’s statement, officials say Blue Bell must notify the Department of State Health Services of any presumptive positive test results for Listeria.
The full penlty statement:
"Blue Bell must continue to notify DSHS of any presumptive positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes in ice cream, ingredients, food surfaces, machinery and other equipment in its Brenham plant. The company must maintain its "test and hold" procedures for all finished product, meaning ice cream must be found to be free of pathogens before it can be sold to the public. As a licensed frozen dessert manufacturer, the company also must continue to provide state inspectors with full access to the plant to take samples."
Dang! $850,00 that’s a lot of money. Well it’s a lot of money to you and I, but that’s what Blue Bell makes in less than a month.
Money isn’t a big deal to Blue Bell, it’s the reputation they’re going to have to earn back.
Go Blue Bell!
I don’t mean to be a comment hog, but….
Blue will NOT have to pay the full amount of $850,00, If Blue Bell follows the governments rules:
* Test and monitor its ice cream
* Notify the state of any presumptive positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes in ice cream, ingredients, food surfaces, machinery and other equipment in its Brenham plant.
* Must maintain its “test and hold” procedures for all finished product (ice cream must be found to be free of pathogens before it can be sold to the public)
* Must continue to provide state inspectors with full access to the plant to take samples.
That’s good for Blue Bell keeping that money, because they still have several lawsuits in front of them. They may be paying out Millions!