Recently, Blue Bell Creameries has recalled over thousands of their ice cream and frozen yogurt products due to the discovery of listeria in the chocolate chip cookie dough tub. Listeria is a bacterium that is resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures and it is found in soil, water and intestines in some animals. Since listeria is in most animals, the animals show no symptoms, it easily transfers into unpasteurized dairy products. Once this bacterium enters a factory of any kind, it can stay living there for many years.

Symptoms of listeria include nausea, muscles aches, high fever and diarrhea. An estimated 1,600 United States individuals die each year from listeria. The victims that are most prone to capturing this bacteria are elderly women, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

To protect yourself overall, wash all raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Also, cook any type of meat to the recommended temperatures and eat leftover foods within three-five days. Keep safe and if you have any product of Bluebell in your homes, return it to the store of purchase for a refund.