When most people in the food industry hear the word “antimicrobial,” they usually think about preservatives such as sodium benzoate or calcium propionate.

The Food Processing Suppliers Association announced the details of three food-safety focused sessions of the educational program at PROCESS EXPO 2015 to be presented by speaker Lynn Knipe, extension processed meat specialist of The Ohio State University.

After a listeria outbreak at Blue Bell Creameries production facilities forced a national recall, the company said Monday it will begin distributing ice cream to select markets on Aug. 31.

Thermal pasteurization techniques have been around since Louis Pasteur, and there is no question they’re effective.

Blue Bell Creameries trucks filled with ice cream were spotted on the road for the first time in months after a listeria contamination halted production and forced a nationwide recall.

The Alabama Department of Public said Blue Bell Creameries can resume production and sale of its ice cream manufactured at its Sylacauga, AL plant.

An investment up to $125 million from prominent Texas businessman Sid Bass lent to Blue Bell Creameries is necessary for the company to remain in business, according to the Associated Press.

Prominent Texas businessman Sid Bass made a significant investment into Blue Bell Creameries to help ensure the ice cream manufacturer bring its products back to the market after a listeria contamination forced a nationwide recall and stoppage of all manufacturing.

No firm date has been set for when the tests will start or when consumers might be able to purchase Blue Bell ice cream in stores.

With its ice cream still absent from store shelves, Blue Bell Creameries said it notified FDA and state health officials in Alabama it will begin test production at the Sylacauga, AL facility during the next several weeks.