The Environmental Health Division is informing and reminding the public that Blue Bell Creameries has recalled its ice cream products from grocery retailers and store shelves worldwide.

Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mrs. Yolanda Penn, said the recall follows concerns that Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was detected in Blue Bell ice cream, and  reports that people were becoming ill after consuming the product.

Mrs. Penn said, “The Environmental Health Division is conducting monitoring and surveillance of the food industry, healthcare and other relevant parties to ensure all products are removed.”

Mrs. Penn added that the division is working with retailers to schedule condemnation of the contaminated items.  She further stated that consumers have the option of returning the product to the store where the item was purchased for a refund or exchange. 

The Deputy Environmental Officer also advised persons to visit their health care provider if they have consumed Blue Bell products and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. She added that Listeria can be particularly harmful to pregnant women and can cause a miscarriage or still birth.

For additional enquires the public is encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.

 The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and social well-being.