The caramel apple Listeria outbreak spread to a 12th state, Colorado, before ending with 35 sick and seven dead, according the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's final report. State an federal health agencies did not provide the age or gender of the case patient in Colorado who was among the 34 people hospitalized with Listeria infections. All but three of those sickened reported eating commercially prepared, pre-packaged caramel apples before they became ill. A number of recalls were issued for caramel apples. An apple recall was also issued after tests on apples from one supplier, Bidart Brothers, were positive for Listeria. The recalled Gala and Granny Smith apples were sold under various brand names including Granny’s Best and Big B. The recalled caramel apples were … [Read more...]
CDC Updates Caramel Apple Listeria Monocytogenes Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples made from Bidart Brothers apples. The outbreak appears to be over, but the recalled products may still be in consumers' homes. Even if you froze these products, discard them, since Listeria can grow at freezer temperatures. In all, 35 people in 12 states were sickened in this outbreak. There were seven deaths and 34 hospitalizations. Listeriosis contributed to at least three of the seven deaths. Eleven illnesses were pregnancy-related; one illness resulted in a fetal loss. Three children developed Listeria meningitis, a serious complication of this infection. In addition, two people in Canada were sickened with … [Read more...]
Listeria Outbreak, Apple Recall Prompts Texas Warning
An apple recall linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak has prompted a warning from Texas health officials. Consumers should not eat Gala or Granny Smith apples produced by Bidart Brothers or eat pre-packaged caramel apples, the Texas health department said in a news update yesterday. Apples produced by Bidart Brothers, some of which were sold under the brand names Big B or Granny's Best, have been linked to an 11-state outbreak that has sickened 32 people, killing seven of them. In Texas, four people have been sickened by the apples. All four had pre-existing medical conditions and required hospitalization for their Listeria infections. Two of them died. The Texas health department is advising anyone who thinks they may have become ill with listeriosis to contact a health care … [Read more...]
