An outbreak of Listeria infections has prompted three recalls of prepackaged caramel apple products, all connected to Bidart Brothers, an apple supplier in California. The first caramel apple lawsuit was filed in CA, but, according to Listeria lawyer Fred Pritzker, others are sure to follow in the 9 other states where people have been sickened: Arizona (4), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), New Mexico (5), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (3).
The most recent recall was issued by Merb’s Candies of St. Louis, MO. Yesterday the company announced a recall of Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples because they were made with apples supplied by Bidart Brothers that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. These products were sold by Merb’s to St. Louis area supermarkets, where they were then sold to consumers. The products were also sold via mail orders nationwide. The recalled products were individually packaged in a clear, burgundy and gold cellophane bag and were available to consumers from about September 8th through about November 25th 2014. There were no identifying codes on them.
On December 27, 2014, California Snack Foods, announced a recall of California Snack Foods Karm’L Dapple caramel apples with a best-use by date between August 15th and November 28th 2014 because of the risk of Listeria contamination. Again, Bidart Brothers had supplied at least some of the apples used for these products. These products were sold in single packs and three packs, each with a best-use-by date on the front label. These recalled caramel apples were available for retail sale through grocery, discount and club stores, generally in the produce section and were distributed to retailers in the following states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
On December 24, 2014, Happy Apple Company announced a recall of Happy Apple Brand caramel apples with a best-use-by date between August 25th and November 23rd 2014, located on the front label. Again, Bidart Brothers had supplied some of the apples used for these products. Happy Apple caramel apples are sold in single pack, three packs, four packs and eight packs. They were available for retail sale through grocery, discount and club stores, generally in the produce section and were distributed to retailers in 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,
Although the Merb’s Candie’s caramel apples recall says Bidart Brothers has recalled its apples, the company has not announced the recall on the FDA website, which is what is normally done by with food products that are not made with meat.
