Texas town prays for local dairy linked to listeria outbreak

BRENHAM, Texas (AP) – More than 200 people gathered to offer prayers and support for Blue Bell Creameries as the more than a century-old company works to resume operations after a series of listeria illnesses linked to its ice cream prompted the company to recall all of its products.

Residents, pastors and local leaders gathered Saturday in the town square in Blue Bell’s hometown of Brenham, Texas, for the nearly hour-long prayer vigil. Many wore shirts and paper hats with the company’s name on it. Some of the shirts said "I Get Cranky Without My Blue Bell."

The company has temporarily closed its plants in Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama through at least next week so it can conduct intensive cleaning and employee training.