'Psychopathic': Investigation launched into 'foul' ice-cream prank video

An ice-cream company says it is working with authorities to investigate a viral video on social media that one horrified person described as “psychopathic behaviour”.

The short clip shows a young woman in an unidentified Texas supermarket removing the lid from an ice-cream tub and licking the ice-cream inside before putting it back in the freezer.

Another person who appears to be filming it, eggs the woman on with "Lick it, lick it”. The same unseen person tells her, "Oh, you foul" as she completes the prank.

The footage which was shared widely across Twitter was met with outrage and horror.

“I'm disgusted. This should be a criminal charge,” one person tweeted, saying people like herself with compromised immune systems had their lives put “at risk” by such behaviour.

"This s**t is why we practically need a chainsaw to get through some food product packaging," another person said.

Someone else added: "Not funny. Not amused.”

Blue Bell, the ice-cream company whose product featured in the viral video, issued a statement to say it was taking the issue “very seriously” and currently working with law enforcement, retail partners and social media platforms.

“This type of incident will not be tolerated,” it said.

“Food safety is a top priority, and we work hard to provide a safe product and maintain the highest level of confidence from our consumers.

“During production, our half gallons are flipped upside down and sent to a hardening room where the ice cream freezes to the lid creating a natural seal.

“The lids are frozen tightly to the carton. Any attempt at opening the product should be noticeable.”

Blue Bell added it would continue to monitor the situation.

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