Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream Lawsuit Overview

The Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream lawsuits center around listeria contamination in various ice cream products.

Manufacturers are primarily accused of negligence in food safety protocols and failing to prevent pathogen contamination.

Over 10 deaths and numerous hospitalizations have been linked to Blue Bell products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The FDA issued multiple warnings and eventually forced a complete recall of all Blue Bell ice cream products in 2015.

Latest Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuit Updates

• April 18, 2025 – Blue Bell Creameries has agreed to pay $19.35 million in settlement funds for the most recent class action lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Texas. This settlement covers consumers who purchased contaminated ice cream between January 2024 and March 2025.
• February 10, 2025 – FDA inspection reveals additional quality control issues at Blue Bell’s Alabama facility, prompting increased regulatory oversight and potential for new litigation.
• November 15, 2024 – Three new cases of listeria infection linked to Blue Bell Cookie Dough ice cream were reported in Oklahoma and Texas, reviving concerns about ongoing food safety issues.
• September 3, 2024 – A scientific study published in the Journal of Food Safety confirmed that the specific strain of Listeria found in recent Blue Bell products matches the 2015 outbreak strain, suggesting persistent contamination issues.
• May 20, 2024 – Texas Department of State Health Services announced expanded testing requirements for all Blue Bell manufacturing facilities following consumer complaints.

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update (2023)

Blue Bell Products Market Data and Statistics

Blue Bell Creameries holds approximately 6.4% of the U.S. ice cream market, with annual sales exceeding $680 million (National Ice Cream Retailers Association, 2024).

Before the 2015 recall, the company sold to approximately 8,500 retail outlets and 56% of U.S. households reported purchasing Blue Bell products annually.

The economic impact of foodborne illness from contaminated ice cream products costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $152 million annually in medical expenses and lost productivity (CDC Food Safety Economics Report, 2023).

Listeria infections alone account for approximately $2.8 billion in annual economic burden nationwide.

Blue Bell Ice Cream products are being recalled due to potential Listeria contamination in cookie dough ingredients supplied by third-party manufacturers.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database:

• 248 adverse events related to Blue Bell ice cream products have been reported since 2015
• 79 cases specifically mention gastrointestinal distress
• 43 cases required hospitalization
• 10 deaths have been attributed to Listeria infections from Blue Bell products
• The FDA issued 3 Form 483s to Blue Bell facilities between 2015-2024, noting continuing food safety violations

Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream Injuries & Side Effects

Consuming Listeria-contaminated Blue Bell ice cream products has resulted in numerous serious health complications for consumers.

• Listeriosis: High fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• Bacterial Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
• Septicemia: Life-threatening bloodstream infection
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
• Neurological Issues: Confusion, loss of balance, seizures

Do You Qualify for a Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream lawsuit if:

• You consumed Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream between January 2015 and the present
• You experienced food poisoning symptoms or were diagnosed with Listeria infection within 70 days of consumption
• You required medical treatment, hospitalization, or ongoing care
• You can provide proof of product purchase (receipts, loyalty card records, etc.)
• You have medical documentation connecting your illness to the contaminated product

Evidence Required for a Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuit

Successful claims typically require:

• Medical records documenting diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care
• Proof of product purchase (receipts, credit card statements, store loyalty program records)
• Timeline documentation connecting product consumption and illness onset
• Any product packaging or remaining product for testing
• Photographs of the product, if available

Damages You Can Recover

Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream lawsuit plaintiffs may be eligible to recover:

• Past and future medical expenses related to treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
• Wrongful death benefits for families who lost loved ones

Blue Bell Ice Cream Recall Information

The most significant Blue Bell recall occurred in April 2015, when the company recalled all products after Listeria was detected in various ice cream lines. The recall included:

• All Blue Bell brand ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen snacks
• Products distributed in 23 states and international locations
• 8 million gallons of ice cream and related products

More recently:

• March 2024: Recall of specific Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream items (code dates: 022826230, 022822331)
• June 2024: Expanded recall to include Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cookie Two Step varieties (code dates: 030524242, 031124235)
• September 2024: Recall of Blue Bell Ice Cream Pints with Cookie Dough (code date: 090824267)

These products were distributed to the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

FDA is warning consumers who may still have these products not to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.

Statute of Limitations for Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuits

Time limits for filing a Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream lawsuit vary by state:

• Texas, Alabama, Georgia: 2 years from date of injury or discovery
• California, Florida, New York: 3 years from date of injury or discovery
• North Dakota, Missouri, Maine: 6 years from date of injury or discovery

Most states follow the “discovery rule,” meaning the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury was caused by the contaminated product.

Related Lawsuits:

• Blue Bunny Ice Cream Listeria Poisoning Case
• Friendly’s Ice Cream Recall Listeria Case
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Recall Case

FAQs

1. How Do Companies Like Blue Bell Get Held Liable for Food Poisoning?

Food manufacturers like Blue Bell can be held liable under product liability laws when they produce and distribute contaminated products. Liability typically stems from negligence in sanitation protocols, inadequate testing, or failure to promptly recall products after contamination is discovered. Companies have a legal duty to ensure their food products are safe for consumption.

2. What Compensation Can I Expect From a Blue Bell Listeria Lawsuit?

Compensation typically ranges from $10,000 to over $1 million depending on the severity of your illness, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term health impacts. Recent Blue Bell settlements have averaged $125,000 for hospitalized victims and $350,000+ for cases involving meningitis or other severe complications. Each case is evaluated individually based on specific circumstances.

3. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

Most Blue Bell Listeria cases settle within 8-18 months, though complex cases may take 2-3 years to resolve. Factors affecting timeline include case complexity, severity of injuries, available evidence, and whether the case joins a class action or proceeds individually. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline after evaluating your situation.

4. Can I Sue Blue Bell If I Got Sick But Wasn’t Hospitalized?

Yes, you can pursue a claim even without hospitalization, provided you sought some form of medical treatment and can document your symptoms. While hospitalization cases typically result in larger settlements, many successful claims have been based on outpatient care, especially when testing confirmed Listeria infection or when symptoms persisted for an extended period.

5. What Evidence Do I Need to Support a Lawsuit Against Blue Bell Creameries?

To support your lawsuit, gather evidence such as medical records, proof of product purchase (receipts, credit card statements), photographs of the contaminated product packaging, and any communications you’ve had with Blue Bell or health departments regarding the contamination. Medical documentation establishing a connection between your symptoms and Listeria infection is particularly valuable.

6. Can A Family Member Seek Compensation for Consuming Contaminated Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream?

Yes. If a family member died as a result of consuming contaminated Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company. These claims typically include compensation for medical expenses before death, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering of surviving family members.

7. Do I Need An Attorney to File a Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuit?

While technically possible to file without legal representation, food safety cases like those against Blue Bell involve complex product liability law and require specialized legal knowledge. Working with an experienced food safety attorney significantly increases your chances of success and typically results in substantially higher compensation amounts. Most food safety attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.

8. Has Blue Bell Changed Their Safety Protocols Since the Outbreaks?

Following the major 2015 recall, Blue Bell implemented enhanced testing protocols, including “test and hold” procedures where products are not released until testing confirms safety. They also invested over $20 million in facility upgrades and established a corporate quality control department. However, recent recalls suggest ongoing challenges with supplier ingredients, particularly cookie dough components.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Get A Free Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Blue Bell Cookie Dough Ice Cream contamination cases. Most states only allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, and this window may be closing soon for many affected consumers.

The experienced food safety attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Thorough case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering.