Jeni’s to destroy 265 tons of ice cream after listeria found

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is destroying more than 265 tons of ice cream after listeria was found in the production facility and in products last week.

CEO John Lowe says in a statement Tuesday that the product to be destroyed amounts to 15 tractor-trailer loads on more than 300 pallets. It will cost the Columbus, Ohio-based company more than $2.5 million.

The company said last week that it had recalled all its products from retailers and closed ice cream shops in six states over concerns about possible listeria contamination.

Lowe says a team is working to eradicate the bacteria detected in the production kitchen.

Also last week, Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries closed facilities in three states for intensive cleaning after listeria was discovered.