People who grew up accustomed to eating Blue Bell can explain that this particular brand of ice cream is kind of a big deal.
Unfortunately, after a deadly outbreak of listeria was discovered in a Blue Bell factory, the company recalled all of its products. As a result, some diehard Blue Bell lovers are clinging to their gallons and pints with a loving ferocity — that is, unless you're willing to pay.
In a new trend on Craigslist, an impressive assortment of half-eaten Blue Bell products are being offered for exorbitant amounts of cash.
Although in some cases the owners are willing to part with their beloved frozen desserts for a four-door truck or tuition payment ...
... or even a full house, if you think home ownership is a fair trade for ice cream.
But if you don't feel ready to part with your house or your vehicle, that's all right. You can simply shell out $10,000.
Several of the listings have been removed from Craigslist — perhaps the ice cream owner realized that selling someone on a product possibly contaminated with listeria was in poor taste. Or maybe someone was actually willing to comply with such a steep price tag.
Despite the sellers' assurances that their products are listeria-free ("My family ate what is missing and we are fine"), food safety officials are advising against partaking in the Craigslist-procured refreshments.
Blue Bell released a statement on Thursday assuring the public that, going forward, they will comply with stricter sanitation regulations to ensure that there will be no similar outbreaks in the future. So, hopefully you won't have to do any shady online bidding for your next Blue Bell fix.
Maybe just wait it out until they're back on the shelves.