Blue Bell recall expands to Oklahoma

DALLAS (AP) – A foodborne illness 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, Okla. Ten products recalled earlier this month by the company were from 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.