Blue Bell may be a Texas staple, homegrown in the heart of the state and standing for more than a century, but a worrisome listeria outbreak at the creamery’s facilities is threatening its reputation, and the people who buy its products. For weeks, the company began recalling some of its ice cream products, but now the recall has expanded to all of the brand’s items, including frozen yogurts, sherbets and various frozen novelties. The fear comes from the unknown source of the infestation, which the company insists it is getting close to discovering. Until then, though, all of Blue Bell’s products should be avoided or discarded, even if consumed without symptoms. During this challenging time, it’s important to consider seeking legal advice from a product injury lawyer if you or a loved one has been affected by these products. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options while you navigate this situation.
As of April 2015, 10 people have experienced symptoms linked to the contamination, including three in Texas and five in Kansas. Three of the Kansas cases ended in the patients’ deaths, so this is a serious concern for consumers who regularly purchase the company’s products. If you believe you may have a wrongful death claim related to this situation, it’s important to consult with a wrongful death lawyer for guidance.
What’s worse, the CDC has tracked these cases and found that the contamination may date back as far as 2010, suggesting long-term negligence by the company, and a lack of quality controls. The fact that consumers were not informed of a possible outbreak is perhaps even more worrying.
The bacteria is not normally a major threat to healthy people, whose immune systems are adept at eliminating the bacteria. However, it is a serious concern for immune compromised people and pregnant women, as the bacteria is capable of infecting the amniotic fluid and placenta nourishing a developing baby. Pregnant women who suffer from listeria infection, and require legal assistance from a qualified birth injury lawyer, are much more likely to experience miscarriage or premature delivery. And developing children may be born with profound health complications, such as mental retardation.
Blue Bell insists that it is close to finding the cause of the contamination, but the company should never have kept it a secret in the first place. And it must answer for its lapse in quality controls. Experienced food poisoning lawyers are beginning to form lawsuits against the ice cream giant, and victims of listeria contamination are encouraged to come forward and explore their legal rights.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
