The Main Point
The South’s favorite ice cream distributor, Blue Bell Creameries, recently got themselves into a world of trouble after an outbreak of the potentially deadly listeria organism cost the lives of three consumers and left seven in the hospital.
Blue Bell is in a time of crisis as the recall has left profits in the red for the two months the ice cream has been off shelves. Yet, the company has managed to garner the support of countless people who have sworn loyalty to those gold-plated ice cream cartons. In fact, over 200 people gathered in Brenham, Texas to hold a prayer vigil for the creamery, awaiting its return. The Texas-based ice cream maker is apparently not going to lose any customers—however, it is wise for consumers to operate with at least a minimal degree of caution.
After all, the outbreak has been going on for five whole years according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, it took the deaths of three people for Blue Bell to decide to recall products and actually do something about the lingering listeria in company facilities.
While every company is redeemable, people should not forgo logic and reason for a fleeting taste of homemade vanilla and chocolate chip cookie dough. Everyone can support Blue Bell in its time of crisis—however, it would be wise to be cautious of any company that places profits over lives.
Due to the controversy, the issue of increased transparency has once again come to the forefront. In order to ensure optimal protection for consumers, food companies need to further increase transparency. They are making the things that people eat and digest—everyone should know what they are putting in their bodies, and in what condition they are being prepared.
Along with increased transparency comes increased regulation. The CDC is not let off the hook in this case. There is no reason why an ice cream company can operate for five years with listeria lingering in some of its facilities.
There should be an annual health inspection for all food companies. Upon discovery of something as serious as listeria, there should be a follow-up inspection within the same month. If contamination is found to still be in the facility, there should be a forced recall.
After the company rallies to put their products back on the shelf, its profile needs to be added to a national database for outbreaks and health ratings. This will let consumers follow their favorite brands and ensure the companies do their best to keep up with health codes, so as to not be put on the list of outbreaks with their integrity in question and profits down the drain.
If this proposed plan were in effect back in 2010, Blue Bell would have been able to curb the current PR disaster they are going through due to their seemingly ambiguous health procedures. Nor would the company have to deal with the impending lawsuit of a Houston victim of their apparent negligence.
While Blue Bell has its clear supporters, it is going to take some time for the company to weasel back into the good graces of beloved consumers. This unfortunate controversy has not only left people sick or dead, but also resulted in the layoffs of 1,450 Blue Bell Creameries employees. According to Blue Bell CEO Paul Kruse, an additional 1,400 employees have been furloughed across 13 states, leaving about 1,000 employees with decreased salaries.
The odds would be seemingly impossible for any other corporation to make a comeback, but it is clear Blue Bell will undoubtedly be welcomed back to the community with open-arms. There will be very few changes in marketing needed as everyone is waiting with bated breath for the return of the South’s favorite treat.
The Main Point is the opinion of the University Star’s editorial board, where this story originally published and is reprinted here through a news partnership between the University Star and Corridor News.