January 12, 2015 — Laboratory testing has confirmed that two strains of Listeria monocytogenes found at Bidart Brothers apple processing facility match strains linked to an outbreak of food poisoning linked to pre-packaged caramel apples.
The FDA announced that Listeria was found on surfaces in the processing facility that come in contact with apples.
Bidart Brothers, a family-owned grower based in California since the 1930s, has already taken steps to control the outbreak.
Last week, Bidart Brothers recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples sold under the “Big B” and “Granny’s Best” brand names.
In December, Bidart Brothers notified three caramel apple manufacturers about the contamination. Recalls were issued by Happy Apple Co. of Washington, Missouri; California Snack Foods, of El Monte, California; and Merb’s Candies of St. Louis, Missouri.
The Star Tribune reports that recalls have also been issued for the following 16 brands of caramel apples from Minnesota-based caramel apple producers who used Bidart Brothers apples: Aamodt’s, Abdallah, Angeli Foods, Candy Jar, Carnival, Celebration, Circle K, Finnottes, Grandma Bev’s, Jerry’s Foods, Karamel King, Kowalski’s Markets, Kitchen Cravings, Lunds & Byerly’s, Supermom’s, and Wescott.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 32 people in 11 states have fallen ill in the outbreak, including 25 who said they ate caramel apples before getting sick. Of the seven deaths reported, listeriosis contributed to at least three.
The FDA warns:
“Consumers should avoid eating commercially produced, prepackaged whole caramel apples including those various brands and types containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate & other toppings that were manufactured using Bidart Bros. apples.”
Do I have a Candy Apple Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting caramel apple induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Listeria after eating caramel apples from Bidart Brothers, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
