What to know about recent food recalls and bacteria listeria

[Omaha Steve]

This undated photo provided by Blue Bell shows Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Country Cookies. Large food recalls have forced consumers to throw away hummus and ice cream that may be contaminated with the same potentially deadly bacteria _ listeria. Tainted Blue Bell ice cream products are linked to eight listeria illnesses in Kansas and Texas; three of those who contracted the illness have died. Blue Bell has temporarily closed its facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and shut down a production line at its facility in Brenham, Texas, where the company is headquartered. Blue Bell has recalled more than two dozen of its products since last month. The FDA says listeria bacteria were found in samples of Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Country Cookies, Great Divide Bars, Sour Pop Green Apple Bars, Cotton Candy Bars, Scoops, Vanilla Stick Slices, Almond Bars and No Sugar Added Moo Bars. (AP Photo/Blue Bell)

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150411/us--listeria-qa-5c38c8ff2b.html

By MARY CLARE JALONICK

WASHINGTON (AP) — Large food recalls have forced consumers to throw away hummus and ice cream that may be contaminated with the same potentially deadly bacteria — listeria.

Tainted Blue Bell ice cream products are linked to eight listeria illnesses in Kansas and Texas; three of those who contracted the illness have died. Blue Bell has temporarily closed its facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and shut down a production line at its facility in Brenham, Texas, where the company is headquartered. Blue Bell has recalled more than two dozen of its products since last month.

Sabra Dipping Co. announced a recall this past week of 30,000 cases of its Classic Hummus due to possible listeria contamination, though no illnesses have been linked to that recall.

A look at the listeria bacteria and answers to questions that consumers may have:
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WHAT IS LISTERIA?

FULL story at link.