Texas Grocery Chain, H-E-B, Others Pull Blue Bell Products

Texas grocery chain H-E-B is pulling all Blue Bell Ice Cream from store shelves as a precaution after a recall of some of the ice cream maker’s products that were connected to three deaths in Kansas.

San Antonio-based H-E-B, with more than 300 stores in Texas and northern Mexico, said the decision was a “precautionary measure due to food safety concerns.” The chain said it’s working with Brenham, Texas-based Blue Bell to refill the stocks as soon as possible.

Blue Bell spokesman Gene Grabowski said the company respected and understood the action.

“Like them, we care for the well-being of our consumers,” he said.

Blue Bell has suspended operations at its Broken Arrow, Okla., plant that officials previously had connected to a foodborne illness linked to the three deaths.

Two other large retailers decided to pull Blue Bell Ice Cream from their shelves as a precautionary measure after the company announced it was temporarily closing the Oklahoma production plant.

Sam’s Club and Kroger joined H-E-B in halting sales of Blue Bell products.

Grabowski confirmed that the number of large retailers pulling the ice cream has grown.

Recall for Texas-Based Blue Bell Ice Cream Products Expanded