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...]
