April 9, 2015 — At least eight hospital patients in Kansas and Texas have now been infected with Listeria after eating Blue Bell ice cream.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued an update confirming that three cases of food poisoning had been reported from one hospital in Texas between 2011-2014.
Another five people were infected in a Kansas hospital between January 2014 and January 2015. Three patients died, although health officials would not confirm that their deaths were caused by Listeria.
Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the people were infected with a highly-similar, rare strain of Listeria that was isolated from samples of Blue Bell ice cream collected from a facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Blue Bell has issued several recalls. Earlier this week, the recalls expanded from 3-oz single-serving product to include pints, quarts, and half-gallons in over a dozen flavors.
Products have been pulled off store shelves at H-E-B, Kroger, and Sam’s Club.
Blue Bell has also suspended production in Oklahoma. However, they have only recalled products from one line at the facility. In February, the Texas health department detected Listeria in another facility in Brenham, Texas, but no recalls were issued.
The CDC is warning consumers against consuming the ice cream:
“CDC continues to recommend that consumers do not eat any Blue Bell brand products made at the Oklahoma production facility (including the recalled products) and that retailers and institutions should not sell or serve them. This advice is particularly important for consumers at higher risk for listeriosis, including pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems.”
Do I have a Blue Bell Ice Cream Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Blue Bell ice cream induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Listeria, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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