Texas has been hit hard by the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to commercially prepared, prepackaged caramel apples. At least four people are sick with listeriosis in that state. One person has died. All of the case patients have been hospitalized and had pre-existing conditions.
Listeriosis, the illness caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, can be serious and deadly, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems and chronic health conditions. Healthy people can become seriously ill as well. The symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, diarrhea, and nausea.
Two varieties of commercially prepared caramel apples have been recalled in relation to this outbreak. Happy Apple caramel apples were recalled on December 24, 2014. All of their apples with use by date between August 25 and November 22, 2014 have been recalled. The apples were for sale in Texas.
In addition, Karm’l Dapple caramel apples, produced by California Snack Foods, have been recalled. All styles of the product are part of the recall. These products were also sold in Texas.
Both Happy Apple and Karm’l Dapple caramel apples were supplied by Bidart Brothers, who process fresh apples. Bidart Brothers informed both companies that their apples may be associated with this outbreak.
Nationwide, at least 29 people are sick in this outbreak. All patients have been hospitalized, and five people have died. Until further notice, consumers should not eat any commercially prepared, prepackaged caramel apples because of this health risk. More recalls and notices may be issued as the investigation proceeds.
If you ate any of these apples, monitor yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. Those symptoms include headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women may only be mildly ill, but this illness can cause serious complications including miscarriage and stillbirth. If you do develop these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
If you purchased any commercially prepared caramel apples and still have some in your home, throw them away in a doubled bag, then wash your hands with soap and water. Clean the area where the apples were stored, even the refrigerator, with a mild bleach solution.
