CDC: 10 listeria illnesses now linked to Blue Bell foods

HOUSTON (AP) — Federal regulators say they're now aware of 10 listeria illnesses linked to ice cream and other products made by Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries over the last five years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had previously reported eight illnesses from Kansas and Texas, including three deaths in Kansas. The agency said Tuesday that two more illnesses have been confirmed in Oklahoma and Arizona.

CDC says those sickened fell ill between January 2010 and January 2015.

Blue Bell recalled all of its products late Monday after two samples of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream tested positive for listeria bacteria.

The recall includes ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen snacks distributed in 23 states and abroad. Blue Bell’s chief executive Paul Kruse said in a statement Monday night that the company “can’t say with certainty” how the bacteria was introduced to the manufacturing line.

“We’re committed to doing the 100 percent right thing, and the best way to do that is to take all of our products off the market until we can be confident that they are all safe,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president.