Listeria found at Bidart Brothers packing plant in Shafter, Calif. has triggered a recall for all Granny Smith and Gala apples packed at the facility during 2014. Consumers should not eat the recalled apples as they risk serious illness if they do. These apples are linked to an 11-state Listeria outbreak that has sickened 32 people, killing six of them.
The apples were sold under a number of brand names including Granny’s Best and Big B. Consumers who have purchased Granny Smith or Gala apples recently and are not sure of the brand names should check with the store where they purchased them to see if they came from Bidart.
Up until now, consumers have been warned only about Bidart apples used to make caramel apples. This recall is for all Granny Smith and Gala apples packed at the Bidart plant in Shafter, Calif. during 2014.
Consumers should also continue to avoid eating pre-packaged, commercially prepared caramel apples, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet released a list of stores where the contaminated apples were sold. Food Poisoning Bulletin will update the information as it becomes available.
