January 8, 2015 — Due to concern about a deadly food poisoning outbreak linked to candy apples, health officials in Canada have issued recalls for Gala apples and Granny Smith apples that were imported from the United States by Bidart Brothers.
The apples may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that is normally found in soil. Infection can cause very serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. Pregnant women may also suffer the loss of an unborn child.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published an update, warning consumers not to eat “Big B” brand Gala apples and Granny Smith apples and “Granny’s Best” brand Granny Smith apples. The recalled lots include all production in 2014.
Bidart Brothers is a California-based supplier of apples to companies that make pre-packaged candy apples for sale in grocery stores. In the United States, recalls have been issued by three companies: Happy Apples Company, California Snack Foods, and Merb’s Candies.
Two people have been infected in Canada, with the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria matching the outbreak strain. In the United States, at least 32 people in 11 states have been infected. One pregnant woman lost her unborn child and three children developed invasive meningitis infections.
Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Poor coordination
- Seizures
- Neck stiffness
Do I have a Candy Apple Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting candy apple induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with listeriosis, 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.
