Local, state, and federal investigators identified an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to consumption of ice cream manufactured by Blue Bell Creameries. As of April 8, 2015, a total of 10 patients infected with several strains of Listeria monocytogenes were reported from four states: Arizona (1), Kansas (5), Oklahoma (1), and Texas (3). Illness onset dates ranged from January 2010 through January 2015. Patients with illness onsets ranging from 2010-2014 were identified through a retrospective review of the PulseNet database. All 10 patients were hospitalized. Three deaths were reported from Kansas.

On April 20, 2015 Blue Bell Creameries voluntarily recalled all of its products currently on the market made at all of its facilities, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen snacks because of the potential for being contaminated with listeria. Blue Bell announced this recall after sampling by the company revealed that Chocolate Chip Cookie dough Ice Cream half gallons produced on March 17, 2015 and March 27, 2015 contained the bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes was previously found in other Blue Bell products.