Blue Bell Outlines Actions In Response To FDA Reports
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BRENHAM (CBSDFW.COM) -- Blue Bell Creameries has provided the FDA a detailed list of corrective actions currently underway in response to the agency's inspection reports at its production facilities.
The company is currently reviewing all aspects of operations at facilities in Brenham, Texas; Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and Sylacauga, Alabama.
The Texas-based company shut down and recalled all products after listeria in its products was linked to three deaths. FDA documents reveal early evidence of problems dating all the way back to 2009.
The company is placing a high priority on producing "safe, wholesome, high-quality products for consumers to enjoy," according to CEO and President Paul Kruse.
The facility enhancements are to include updated environmental and product testing procedures. The standard operating procedures, testing programs, supplier verification procedures, and overall philosophy will be consistent at all three facilities.
"We hope our efforts demonstrate the seriousness with which we are taking this situation, as well as our commitment to making sure we get this right," Kruse said. "We are committed to seeing this plan through and to working with the FDA each step of the way. Once Blue Bell, the FDA and the applicable state regulators agree we are ready to reintroduce products into commerce, we plan to resume production with a phased-in selection of flavors and sizes, expanding only after our revised programs have demonstrated they are capable of ensuring product safety."
Blue Bell has entered into voluntary agreements in all three states, outlining a plan to bring products back to the market.
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