Last week, the executives at Blue Bell Creameries made the decision to recall all of their products from all markets and to temporarily stop production in their commitment to doing 100% the right thing in addressing the Listeria contamination issue. I applaud them for this “fresh start” iniative. As a Texan, I am very proud of them. The decision was bold, courageous, and indicative of the true spirit of this 108 year-old company.
Blue Bell Creameries is a true Texas icon. It is a treasure in Texas culture along with such icons as The Alamo, the Astrodome, and the Hotel Galvez. Most Texans make a pilgrimage at least once to that little creamery in Brenham, Texas that has given us the best ice cream in the world. We were proud when Blue Bell expanded their market nationwide so that others could get a taste of Texas.
Personally, Blue Bell has been the center of many loving memories with my family and friends. When I was growing up in Houston my siblings and I would not ask our Mother if we could have ice cream – we would ask if we could have Blue Bell. In our home, the name Blue Bell was synonymous to the words ice cream and that was the only brand my Mother purchased. Homemade Vanilla has graced many a dessert plate accompanied with German Chocolate Cake, Peach Cobbler, Pecan Pie, and Sock-It-To-Me Cake just to name a few. I remember those hot summer Sunday afternoons dressed in my ruffled cotton dress and cowgirl boots going with my Dad and sister to the nearby ice cream shop to get shakes made with Blue Bell strawberry ice cream.
When the Listeria contamination first occurred, I received several phone calls with one coming from a friend as far away as Cleveland, Ohio to tell me about it. They felt they had to inform me because it is well-known how much I love Blue Bell Ice Cream. I have my favorite flavors as well as taste-testing the amazing new creative flavors that Blue Bell introduces seasonally. So I eat ice cream a lot and I have special white porcelain bowls just for my Blue Bell Ice Cream.
One friend suggested that I may have to consider giving up Blue Bell because of this recent issue. I told her there would never come a day where I would give up Blue Bell Ice Cream. I told her I had faith that Blue Bell Creameries would resolve this issue responsibly. The recent announcement solidified the faith I expressed to my friends.
I look forward to the day that Blue Bell Creameries will start production of all of its products again. When I hear that announcement, I will surely celebrate with a few colorful and delicious scoops of ice cream in my special white bowls.
QUESTION(S):
How do you feel about Blue Bell Ice Cream?
What do you think about the recent actions regarding the Listeria issue?
I love Blue Bell! I do feel that the company did a very responsible act when pulling all the products but I sure hate seeing all the waste! I still have my Blue Bell in the freezer, have already eaten a few servings and was fine, so I’m thinking I’ll keep it for myself! 🙂 The fam, however, must stick to a Blue Bell fast until all is resolved! lol
Life without Blue Bell is something I cannot fathom!