A listeria outbreak has recently made headlines across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak, which originated in late 2014, appears to be over but you may still be at risk.
Listeria, or more properly, Listeria monocytogenes, is a bacterium that causes a serious infection known as listeriosis. Listeriosis principally affects the very young and very old, as well as pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is generally diagnosed when the bacteria has moved from the gastrointestinal system to the rest of the body, causing headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
How the outbreak started
On January 6, environmental testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes contamination at packing plant owned by Bidart Bros. in Bakersfield, California. The company issued a voluntary recall of Granny Smith and Gala apples. Associated companies Happy Apples, California Snack Foods, and Merb’s Candies each went on to announce a voluntary recall of prepackaged caramel apples.
From beginning to end, 35 people were infected in 12 states. Of the infected, 34 were hospitalized, and listeriosis was a factor in at least three of seven deaths reported. A full 90% of those who were infected and interviewed reported eating prepackaged caramel apples prior to their illness.
With the apparent end of the outbreak, the risk of infection is much lower, but consumers should continue to be aware of the origin and best by dates of the following products:
- Happy Apples brand caramel apples, best use by date between Aug. 25 and Nov. 23, 2014
- Kroger brand caramel apples (produced by Happy Apples), best use by date between Sept. 15 and Nov. 18, 2014 (be aware that some caramel apples are labeled as candy apples)
- Karm’l Dapples brand caramel apples, best use by date between Sept. 8 and Nov. 25, 2-14
- Merb’s Candies brand Bionic apples and Double Dipped Apples, available from Sept. 8 to Nov. 25, 2014
The CDC recommends that any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples made with Bidart Bros. apples produced in 2014 should not be eaten. If you’re unable to determine the origin of the product, throw it away in a plastic bag in a sealed receptacle to prevent consumption by other people or animals. If any of these products are present in your home, including Granny Smith or Gala apples processed by Bidart Bros, please make sure to safely dispose of them.
If you or someone you know has been affected by contaminated products, please contact us for a free consultation.
