The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a report stating that Blue Bell has known since 2013 that the potentially deadly bacteria listeria was found in one of its ice cream plants, but continued shipping ice cream from three locations after what inspectors described as inadequate cleanings.

The report mentioned three plants where tests for listeria in non-food contact areas — such as floors — came back as "presumptive positive," indicating a high likelihood of the bacteria, according to the FDA.

Three people in Kansas have died in a listeria outbreak that has been linked back to the Texas-based company.

Symptoms of listeria can be life-threatening, according to experts quoted by Forbes. Those most susceptible to infection include pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with already-compromised immune systems.

In otherwise healthy adults, a listeria infection could present with symptoms of fever, muscle aches and diarrhea. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems can develop severe symptoms such as headaches, stiff necks and confusion.

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