Advice to Consumers, Institutions, and Retailers

Although this outbreak investigation is over, recalled products may still be in people’s homes and in institutions and retailers’ freezers.
CDC recommends that consumers do not eat any recalled Blue Bell brand products, and that institutions and retailers do not serve or sell them.

• The recall includes all Blue Bell brand ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen snacks.
• This advice is particularly important for consumers at higher risk for listeriosis, including pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems.

Consumers should check their freezers for any recalled Blue Bell brand products and throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, even if some of the product has been eaten and no one has become ill. Institutions and retailers should also carefully check their freezers or inventory for any recalled Blue Bell brand products.

• When in doubt, throw it out. Place the product in a closed plastic bag in a sealed trash can to prevent other people or animals from eating it.
• These products can have a shelf life of up to 2 years.

What should I do if I ate recalled Blue Bell brand products?

• If you have eaten a recalled Blue Bell brand product and do not have any symptoms, most experts believe that  tests or treatment are not needed, even for persons at higher risk for listeriosis.
• Consumers who develop symptoms of listeriosis after eating recalled products can consider seeking medical care and telling a health care provider about eating product that was recalled because of possible Listeria contamination. Although people can sometimes develop listeriosis up to 2 months after eating contaminated food, symptoms usually start within several days. Read more on the Information for Health Professionals page.