January 14, 2015 — A consumer advisory has been issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for 16 brands of pre-packaged caramel apples that may be contaminated with Listeria.
The recalls involve Granny Smith or Gala apples from Bidart Brothers, a major California-based grower that supplied apples for the caramel apple industry. The outbreak of listeriosis began just before Halloween and the last shipment was on December 2.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at least 32 people have been sickened in the outbreak and seven have died. Listeriosis contributed to at least three of those deaths. Nearly all of the victims reported eating caramel apples before developing food poisoning.
This is not the first time health officials in Minnesota have issued warnings. Back in November, they were the first to issue warnings. Illnesses in the state were linked to caramel apples from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods, which carried Carnival brand and Kitchen Cravings brands.
The number of recalled brands has expanded dramatically. None of the following recalled products are available in stores, but they may still be in consumers’ homes:
- Aamodt’s
- Abdallah
- Angeli Foods
- Candy Jar
- Carnival
- Celebration
- Circle K
- Finnottes
- Grandma Bev’s
- Jerry’s Foods
- Karamel King
- Kowalski Markets
- Kitchen Cravings
- Lungs & Byerly’s
- Supermom’s
- Wescott
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria commonly found in soil that can cause severe, life-threatening illness. Symptoms typically begin 3-70 days after contaminated food is consumed. The symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting caramel apple induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with listeriosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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