Listeria Outbreak Traced To 2nd Blue Bell Production Plant
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — An outbreak of listeria that contributed to the deaths of three people has been traced to a second production facility operated by Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Blue Bell spokesman Gene Grabowski said Tuesday that a contaminated 3-ounce cup of ice cream was traced to a plant in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. A recall issued by the company Monday was limited to three varieties of three-ounce ice cream cups -- chocolate, vanilla and strawberry -- with tab lids, the kind which are typically used in food service settings and offered in hospital or school cafeterias.
Ten products recalled earlier this month by the company were traced to a production line at a plant in Brenham, Texas, where the company is based.
The recall began when five patients at Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita, Kansas, became ill with listeria while hospitalized. Officials determined at least four drank milkshakes that contained Blue Bell ice cream. Three of the patients later died.
The contaminated 3-ounce cup was found at the hospital.
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