A third company has voluntarily recalled caramel apples because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A Listeria outbreak linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples has sickened at least 30 people in 10 states and killed five. Now Merb’s Candies is recalling Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples.
Last week, Happy Apples caramel apples and California Snack Foods Karm’l Dapples were recalled in connection with this outbreak. Their apples were supplied to them by Bidart Brothers, an apple processor and packer, whose products may be associated with this Listeria outbreak.
Merb’s is recalling Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples that were available for sale in St. Louis area locations, through local supermarkets in the produce section, and through mail order nationwide. The product is individually packaged in a clear, burgundy and gold cellophone bag and would have been available from September 8 through November 25, 2014. No identifying lot codes were used. You can see pictures of product labels at the FDA site.
Production of these apples ceased as of November 23, 2014 and the caramel apples are no longer available for purchase. Out of an abundance of caution, consumers should dispose of these products if they still have them in their homes. Throw them away in a secure container or return to the place of purchase for a refund. Then clean out the place of storage with a mild bleach solution.
If you ate any of these apples, monitor yourself for the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning for the next 70 days. That’s how long it can take for listeriosis to appear after exposure. The symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infections can cause miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women even though they only have mild symptoms. If you do get sick, see your doctor and tell him you ate this recalled product.
