UK supermarkets have issued an urgent recall for a selection of popular Blue Bell ice cream products over fears they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has alerted customers to the potential health risk.
The recall affects specific half-gallon and pint-sized tubs of Blue Bell Ice Cream. The products were distributed to several major UK retail chains. Consumers are being urged not to eat the affected items and to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Affected Products and Safety Information
The following products are part of the recall:
- Blue Bell Ice Cream Half Gallon Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (certain lot codes)
- Blue Bell Ice Cream Half Gallon Cookies 'n Cream (certain lot codes)
- Blue Bell Ice Cream Pint Mint Chocolate Chip (certain lot codes)
The FSA has stated that symptoms caused by Listeria can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, and feeling or being sick. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased any of the listed products, the advice is clear:
- Do not consume the product.
- Return it to the store from which it was bought for a full refund.
- Contact a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health after consuming the product.
Retailers are removing the implicated items from their shelves. The FSA and the involved supermarkets are working closely to manage the situation and ensure customer safety.
