FDA and Manufacturers Issuing Food Recalls After Listeria Infections from Caramel Apples Grow

As of the end of December, at least 32 people in the US have become ill after eating listeria-contaminated prepackaged caramel apples, and 6 people have died.

The Centers for Disease Control state that 31 of the 32 listeria caramel apple victims have been hospitalized, as the disease spread across 11 states in the US. Two cases of listeria from consuming caramel apples have also been acknowledged in Canada.

The six deaths related to the listeria outbreak all had confirmed cases of listeriosis, the disease caused by the listeria bacterium. Three of those deaths were caused directly by the listeria infection.

Three manufacturers of prepackaged caramel apples have issued food recalls for their product. On December 24th, Happy Apple issued a food recall covering caramel apples with a best use by date of August 25th and November 23rd. Happy Apples distributed their caramel apples to the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin.

Three days later, on December 27th, California Snack Foods issued a voluntary food recall for their caramel apples, which have best by dates between August 15th and November 28th. Those caramel apples could be found in produce sections at grocery stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.

Most recently, on December 29th, Merb’s Candies of St. Louis issued a voluntary food recall for caramel apples with brand names Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples. The best buy dates on their products are between September 8th and November 25th, and are available only at St. Louis area grocery stores and retailers.

The Food and Drug Administration has stated on their website that consumers should avoid eating any prepackaged caramel apples until the source of the listeria contamination can be determined.

Listeria can cause a potentially fatal infection in those with compromised immune systems such as older adults, pregnant women, and young children. People with stronger immune systems could experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Listeria can pass to the fetus in pregnant women, causing miscarriage. According to the CDC, there were 1,651 cases of listeriosis nationally between 2009 and 2011 – the infection was fatal in 21% of the reported cases.

Unusually, three cases of older children developed meningitis related to listeria infection. None of the three children died, and the investigators believe that the infection occurred in that age group because they are the most likely to eat candied apples.

The Strom Law Firm Protects Citizens Harmed by Outbreaks, Including Listeria

The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm keep a close watch on recalls of dangerous and defective products in the US. We aim to protect our clients’ health and safety, and hold manufacturers to the highest possible standard of safety. Product recalls are especially important because defective drugs, medical devices, food, and toys can seriously injure or even kill consumers. If you or a loved one have experienced severe, life-limiting side effects from a defective food, product or drug, and believe that your pain stems from a product, drug, or food recall such as a Listeria food recall that came too late, you may be entitled to compensation. The Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today. 803.252.4800