Twenty years jail possible for woman filmed licking inside of ice cream tub, putting it back in supermarket freezer

A woman videoed licking the top of an ice cream tub before placing it back in a supermarket freezer faces up to 20 years in jail.

The video was posted to Twitter by Optimus Primal last week showing the woman, who is yet to be named, tucking into a Blue Bell branded tub before returning the item to its place.

The US ice cream company, based in Texas, said it was working with authorities and that the incident would "not be tolerated".

Texas-based Lufkin Police and Fire said on Facebook that social media commenters had identified the woman.

Police confirmed the incident took place at a Walmart in the city of Lufkin.

"Detectives believe they have identified the woman and the investigation is ongoing."

Lufkin director of public safety Gerald Williamson said in a statement that appropriate charges would be filed.

A police spokesperson told NBC News the woman faces a charge of "second-degree felony tampering with a consumer product".

According to the Texas Attorney General, a second degree felony offence is worth imprisonment for up to 20 years.

In addition to imprisonment, a second degree felony offence may receive a fine of up to US$10,000.

Police said Blue Bell has removed the product in question from the Lufkin Walmart shelves.

"Our biggest concern is consumer safety - in that regard we are glad to see the tainted products off the shelves," Williamson said.

Newshub.