Investigators will seek to determine exactly what company executives knew about the hazards at their plants and when they knew them.

Blue Bell Creameries has restored products to a majority of stores in its home state of Texas.

Operations are currently on a limited basis as the company seeks to confirm that new procedures, facility enhancements and employee training are effective.

The increase sparks a call for better collaboration between the food industry and federal and state governments.

After returning products to select markets in August, Blue Bell Creameries announced it has started phase two of its plan to reintroduce its ice cream into 15 states.

Researchers theorize a small amount of moisture left under the layer of caramel creates a breeding ground for bacteria.

Originally launched in 2009, the updated tool includes national data from all outbreaks reported to CDC from 1998 through 2014.

As a precaution, The Kroger Co. said Thursday it will no longer sell unrefrigerated caramel apples that have been pierced with dipping sticks because of food safety risks associated with the products.

General Mills has voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of frozen Cascadian Farm Cut Green Beans produced over two days in March of last year.

 Because of the limited production capacity while producing in one facility, it will re-enter parts of 15 states in five phases.