Students trying to fight the heat with Blue Bell ice cream will be finding empty freezers and barren store shelves, as Blue Bell has voluntarily recalled all of its products currently on the market.

In a statement released by Blue Bell, the company said that it chose to recall all products because of their potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytagenes, bacteria that can cause serious infections in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The situation first came to Blue Bell’s attention after a sampling program revealed that chocolate chip cookie dough half gallons produced on March 17 and March 27 contained the bacteria.

“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 they are all safe,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president.

Megan Jamieson, a junior speech pathology major, said that by recalling all the products, Blue Bell handled the situation accordingly.

“It’s sad that there was such an oversight in quality control, but you do what you have to in order to ensure the safety of the customers,” said Jamieson.

The situation could have become a bigger problem for the community had Blue Bell not done what was necessary, said Yun Lim, senior business information systems major.

As a fan, Lim said he hopes to see the situation fixed and the ice cream back on shelves soon.

Kevin Woodyard, a first-year finance major, said that he eats Blue Bell quite often, especially the chocolate chip cookie dough, so it becomes somewhat scary when having to think about the possible repercussions that stem from recalls.

Woodyard added that while students may not be happy with the lack of ice cream, it is better to be safe than sorry.

For some students, however, Blue Bell is more than just a brand of ice cream.

Tara Martinez, first-year nutrition major, said she associates the name with home.

“I’ve grown up in Texas and that’s the only brand my family has ever eaten, so it’s upsetting to see that it’s gone for now,” Martinez said.

“We are heartbroken about this situation and apologize to all of our loyal Blue Bell fans and customers…. We want enjoying our ice cream to be a source of joy and pleasure, never a cause for concern, so we are committed to getting this right,” Kruse emphasized.

TCU Dining Services and Market Square management were not available to comment.