Two national ice cream companies responded swiftly and transparently when their products tested positive for listeria this spring. Blue Bell Creameries, based in Brenham, Texas, has voluntarily recalled all of its products, while Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, Ohio, has followed suit and also ceased all ice cream production.

Three deaths at a Kansas hospital prompted the first Blue Bell recall, according to CNN. A total of five patients contracted a listeria infection, and most had consumed the company's ice cream products. The deaths occurred sometime between January 2014 and January 2015.

The initial recall included several frozen snacks, but the company didn't recall ice cream cartons until an enhanced sampling system program revealed that chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream half-gallons, produced March 17 and March 27, contained listeria. From there, the company voluntarily recalled all of its products, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen snacks.

“We’re committed to doing the 100-percent right thing, and the best way to do that is to take all of our products off the market until we can be confident that they are all safe,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president, in an April 20 press release.

On April 23, Jeni's issued a release, recalling all of its products and closing 21 scoop shops across the country. Listeria was discovered in its product when a pint of dark chocolate ice cream at a Whole Foods store in Lincoln, Nebraska, tested positive for the bacteria, according to The Columbus Dispatch. No illnesses have been linked to this listeria outbreak.

Jen's issued an announcement on April 28 that more than 265 tons of ice cream would be destroyed, costing the company more than $2.5 million. Jeni's also shared that while the dark chocolate pint was the initial finding, a pint of The Buckeye State flavor also tested positive.

"So let me be unmistakably clear: No one should be eating any of Jeni’s frozen products," John Lowe wrote in the announcement.

Both companies are providing continuous updates online about the recalls and their efforts to ensure quality products through enhanced sampling and sanitation protocols. Visit the Blue Bell Creameries website and the Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams website for more information.

—Summarized by Progressive Dairyman staff from cited sources