Texans Show Continued Support For Brenham's Blue Bell
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BRENHAM (CBSDFW.COM) — Blue Bell is still trying to pinpoint the source of a Listeria outbreak linked to three deaths. Meanwhile, many are asking whether or not the 180-year-old ice cream company can bounce back; Texans are saying "Yes."
Blue Bell, affectionately called "The Little Creamery," is Brenham's largest private employer. The headquarters in Brenham also boasts title of the town's most popular tourist attraction.
Despite news of the outbreak, ice cream counters in Brenham refuse to stock any other brands. And it's not just the small town; ice cream parlors in North Texas are also showing their support. Henry's Homemade Ice Cream in Plano, for instance, reports a massive sales surge in just one brand of ice cream: Blue Bell.
Nationally, Blue Bell has recalled well over 100 million dollars worth of ice cream, yet the business does not plan on laying off any employees.
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a rare Friday night warning informing the general public not to consume Blue Bell products manufactured in the company's Oklahoma facility. Five patients ate ice cream that contained Listeria at a hospital in Kansas between January 2014 and January 2015. Three of them died.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Blue Bell is currently trying new production and testing measures.
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