The move is part of Blue Bell’s efforts to bring its ice cream products back in the market.
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There was no indication on the company’s website about whether there are plans to do perform test production at the plant in Broken Arrow at any time, nor how long it might be before that facility is up and running again.
The July 20 date is subject to change and the state department will have an official present during the trial run, said Ron Dawsey, a spokesman for the Alabama Health Department. Blue Bell has only been able to resume manufacturing activities after reaching an agreement with the Alabama State Health Department (and entering into similar ones with the appropriate bureaus in Texas and Oklahoma).
Three people died and seven others became ill.
“When production resumes at the Sylacauga plant, it will be on a limited basis as the company seeks to confirm that new procedures, facility enhancements and employee training have been effective”, the company said.
Ice cream made during the trial period will not be sold to the public until the products are held and tested to ensure the products are safe and free from listeria.
If all goes well, Blue Bell has plans to begin building inventory for a return to the market.
Williamson says both state health officials and Blue Bell will test the product for listeria.
In March the company issued the first recall in its 108-year history after the five confirmed cases of Listeriosis in Kansas were linked to products from a single production line.
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Shelves sit empty of Blue Bell ice cream at a grocery store in Dallas, Tuesday, April 21, 2015.
