Blue Bell Has Been Fined $850,000

Blue Bell Creameries has been assessed a fine of $850,000 by the Texas Department of State Health Services, for letting contaminated products to be sold to the public resulting to a listeria outbreak which sickened at least ten people and contributed to three deaths in 2015.

In the health department's requirements, Blue Bell must pay $175,000 to the state within 30 days, and the remaining $675,000 would be forgiven if the company follows the guidelines outlined in the enforcement agreement for the next 18 months.

That agreement requires the company to test and monitor for listeria in their Brenham, Texas facility. The health department must be notified of the results of the tests on their ice creams, food surfaces, machinery, ingredients, and other equipment. Blue Bell also must make sure that their products are free from pathogens before being released in the market.