The caramel apple Listeria outbreak has ended one pregnancy in tragedy with a fetal loss is now among the 10 illnesses in this outbreak related to pregnancy. Three of New Mexico’s five cases are newborn boys who developed infections in the womb after their mothers ate contaminated caramel apples.
Along with older people and those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women are at high risk for listeriosis. In fact, a pregnant women is 10 times more likely than the general population to contract a Listeria infection. If she does, the infection can pass to her fetus causing miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, listeriosis or Listeria meningitis in the infant, or death.
“These cases are so sad. And they are far too common,” said Fred Pritzker, a food safety attorney who has represented clients whose pregnancies ended because of food contaminated with Listeria. At least six of the seven multistate Listeria outbreaks that have occurred since 2011 have included illnesses or deaths related to pregnancy, Pritzker said.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that when a pregnant woman ingests food contaminated with Listeria, it makes its way to the placenta where, protected by from the immune system, it multiplies before invading the rest of the body.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection, which can take as long as 70 days after exposure to develop, include fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea and upset stomach. Anyone who has eaten a prepackaged, commercially prepared caramel apples within the last two months and is experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.
Some caramel apple recalls have been issued. Happy Apples were sold at grocery, discount and club stores, including Safeway, Sam’s Club and Walmart 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.
Merb’s Candies of St. Louis, Mo. recalled Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples sold in St. Louis area supermarkets.
California Snack Foods recalled Karm’L Dapple caramel apples sold at retail grocery, discount and club stores in: Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
Two other brands of caramel apple brands associated with the outbreak were sold in Minnesota but not recalled. Carnival and Kitchen Cravings brand caramel apples were sold seasonally in the fall at Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods and are no longer being sold at those stores or elsewhere.
