Pre-packaged caramel apples contaminated with Listeria have been blamed on dozens of cases of food poisoning and at least three deaths.
What You Can Do & How a Caramel Apple Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting caramel apple induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Listeria from caramel apples, 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: With 35 Sick, Caramel Apple Listeria Outbreak is Over
February 13, 2015 — After 35 illnesses and 7 deaths in 12 states, an outbreak of food poisoning from caramel apples contaminated with Listeria is likely over, according to an update from the CDC. Click here to read more.
January 20, 2015 — Pacific Coast Fruit, of Portland, Oregon is joining a recall for caramel apples that may be a food poisoning risk due to contamination with Listeria. Click here to read more.
January 14, 2015 — A consumer advisory has been issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for 16 brands of pre-packaged caramel apples that may be contaminated with Listeria. Click here to read more.
January 12, 2015 — FDA lab 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. Click here to read more.
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. Click here to read more.
January 6, 2015 — Happy Apple Co. is expanding their recall for caramel apples to include Kroger Brand candy apples that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Click here to read more.
January 5, 2015 — The CDC has reported that 32 people have fallen ill and a sixth death has been linked to food poisoning from commercially-produced, pre-packaged caramel apples contaminated with Listeria. Click here to read more.
December 30, 2014 — Safeway Inc. has been hit with a lawsuit from the family of a woman who was infected with Listeria and died after eating pre-packaged caramel apples. Click here to read more.
December 30, 2014 — Merb’s Candies, of St. Louis, Missouri, has become the third company to issue a voluntary recall for caramel apples that may be contaminated with Listeria. Click here to read more.
December 29, 2014 — The FDA is warning that pre-packaged, commercially-produced caramel apples have been linked to 29 illnesses, including 5 deaths, in 10 states. Two companies have issued recalls. Click here to read more.
November 18, 2014 — A Health Advisory issued by the Minnesota Department of Health has linked commercial pre-packaged caramel apples with an outbreak of Listeria that has infected four people, including two elderly people who died.
The health department warns:
“Consumers should not eat any brands of commercially-produced pre-packaged caramel apples until additional information is available.”
The victims reported eating caramel apples under the Kitchen Cravings and Carnival brands, at grocery stores like Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods. However, officials are concerned that additional stores and brands may be involved in the outbreak. Click here to read more.
What is the problem?
The outbreak has been linked to caramel apples that were purchased just before Halloween and into November. These products may still be in consumers’ homes because they have a shelf-life of one month or more. Furthermore, symptoms of listeriosis may not appear for up to 70 days.
CDC Investigates Food Poisoning Outbreak
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the outbreak on December 19, stating that 28 people were infected in 10 states, including 26 people (92%) who were hospitalized and five people who died.
States where illnesses were initially reported included: Arizona (4), California (1), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), New Mexico (5), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).
The first illness was reported on October 17, and the most recent illness on November 27. However, listeriosis has a long incubation period and illnesses after December 3 may not have been reported yet.
Pregnant Women Infected
Nine pregnant women have been infected. Although infection typically only causes mild flu-like symptoms for pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery of an infant. The baby can also be born with the infection.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause deadly food poisoning, especially for people who have weak immune systems, young children, and older adults. Most healthy adults do not develop serious complications.
Symptoms
Infection with Listeria typically causes symptoms in three weeks, although the onset may be as little as three days or as long as 2.5 months. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Meningitis
Three children have developed meningitis, an invasive nervous system infection that can be deadly.
If the infection travels to the nervous system, it can cause inflammation of the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis include:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
How Does Listeria Spread?
Listeria grows in the soil and is commonly found in dirt and water. It can also spread in infected animals, though they may not show any symptoms. When it contaminates ready-to-eat foods, it can cross-contaminate surfaces and grow in the refrigerator. Past outbreaks have been linked to hot dogs, lunch meats, soft cheeses, refrigerated smoked seafood, pâtés, and more.
Do I have a Caramel Apple Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting caramel apple induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Listeria from caramel apples, 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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