CNN confirmed the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Blue Bell Creameries for its handling of listeria contaminated product. Prosecutors are examining whether the creamery committed wrongdoing after the outbreak was revealed in April 2015. Blue Bell recalled its ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen treats in 23 states after listeria was found on the lid of a food service cup in March 2015.
After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention connected patients from 2010-2015 via bacteria DNA comparisons, the Center stated the outbreak actually occurred in 2010. Deputy Director of the CDC Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Dr. Robert Tauxe, told CNN the origin of the listeria strain was unknown when it was first announced by Blue Bell, but “the fact that it was the same strain over the last five years suggests it could have lurked somewhere in the factory the whole time.”
Listeria is a potentially fatal infection, typically found in soil, water, and raw milk. What makes it so dangerous is that is can grow in cold environments. The Food and Drug Administration estimates 48-million Americans a year suffer from the effects of food-borne illnesses and approximately 3,000 die from infections that are preventable. Blue Bell Creameries has not responded to the allocations against them.