Blue Bell Layoffs 2015: 1400 Employees to Lose Jobs After Listeria Outbreak

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More than 1400 employees will be laid off from Blue Bell Creameries after a listeria outbreak halted the production of its frozen treats and led to a mass recall of its products.

The layoff was announced by the Texas-based company on May 15. It is projected to affect 37 percent of the total workforce of 3,900 employees, with around 750 full-time workers and 700 part-time workers losing their employment, according to Tech Times.

"The agonizing decision to lay off hundreds of our great workers and reduce hours and pay for others was the most difficult one I have had to make in my time as Blue Bell's CEO and President," said Blue Bell CEO Paul Kruse in a press release.

"At Blue Bell, our employees are part of our family, and we did everything we could to keep people on our payroll for as long as possible. At the same time, we have an obligation to do what is necessary to bring Blue Bell back and ensure its viability in the future. This is a sad day for all of us at Blue Bell, and for me personally," Kruse added.

In addition to layoffs, the company also announced pay cuts for employees in clean-up operation. Employees who are affected by the reductions are at various distribution centers including: Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, Kentucky, Indiana, and New Mexico, according to International Business Times.

News Everyday reports the Texas-based company signed agreements with the Texas Department of State Health Services and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to enact stricter safety protocols and product testing before the frozen treats will be made available to the public.

Three deaths in Kansas were tied to listeriosis brought about by eating Blue Bell ice cream this year. On the other hand, at least 10 people sickened from eating Blue Bell's frozen treats, CDC has learned.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the facultative anaerobic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. 

Symptoms of listeria infection include nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle ache, diarrhea, back pain, abdominal, pain, and cramping. These are also common symptoms of food poisoning, according to Medicine Net. In severe cases, meningitis and brain abscesses may be present.

Mild bacterial infection usually requires no treatment. However, in severe cases or in immunocompromised patients, antibiotic treatment is administered.