January 6, 2015 — A recall has been issued for pre-packaged candy apples that were sold by Kroger supermarket chains during last year’s holiday season due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The expanded recall was issued by the manufacturer, Happy Apple Co., for plain caramel apples and candy apples topped with nuts or sprinkles. The “best-by” dates range between September 15 and November 18, 2014.
Because the products are almost eight weeks expired, it is unlikely that they remain on store shelves or in customers’ homes. However, because Listeria has an incubation period of up to 70 days, there is a chance that people who ate the apples could still get sick.
The commercially-produced candy apples were sold singly and in 3-packs at Kroger stores in the following states: Arizona, Alaska, Kansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
This is the second recall from Happy Apple Co. and the fourth recall involving apples supplied by Bidart Brothers. At least 32 people in 11 states have been infected with the same strain of Listeria after eating candy apples, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on December 30. The illness contributed to at least three deaths and the loss of an unborn baby in an infected pregnant woman.
Happy Apples recommends:
“Out of deep concern for public safety, we are recommending that consumers follow the advice of the CDC and remove any caramel apples you may have in storage and dispose of them in a secure container to avoid potential contamination in animals.”
Do I have a Candy Apple Listeria Lawsuit?
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