Caramel apples have been linked to a deadly outbreak of food poisoning, with dozens of people sickened across the nation — including several in Texas — with the same strain of the bacterial illness Listeria.
Need a Texas Caramel Apple Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Listeria food poisoning from caramel apples, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
UPDATE: With 35 Sick, Caramel Apple Listeria Outbreak is Over
February 13, 2015 — After 35 illnesses and 7 deaths in 12 states, an outbreak of food poisoning from caramel apples contaminated with Listeria is likely over, according to an update from the CDC. Click here to read more.
January 20, 2015 — Pacific Coast Fruit, of Portland, Oregon is joining a recall for caramel apples that may be a food poisoning risk due to contamination with Listeria. Click here to read more.
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. Click here to read more.
January 12, 2015 — FDA lab testing has confirmed that two strains of Listeria monocytogenes found at Bidart Brothers apple processing facility match strains linked to an outbreak of food poisoning. Click here to read more.
January 8, 2015 — Due to concern about a deadly food poisoning outbreak linked to candy apples, health officials in Canada have issued recalls for Gala apples and Granny Smith apples that were imported from the United States by Bidart Brothers. Click here to read more.
January 6, 2015 — Happy Apple Co. is expanding their recall for caramel apples to include Kroger Brand candy apples that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Click here to read more.
January 5, 2015 — The CDC has reported that 32 people have fallen ill and a sixth death has been linked to food poisoning from commercially-produced, pre-packaged caramel apples contaminated with Listeria. Click here to read more.
December 30, 2014 — Safeway Inc. has been hit with a lawsuit from the family of a woman who was infected with Listeria and died after eating pre-packaged caramel apples. Click here to read more.
December 30, 2014 — Merb’s Candies, of St. Louis, Missouri, has become the third company to issue a voluntary recall for caramel apples that may be contaminated with Listeria. Click here to read more.
December 29, 2014 — The FDA is warning that pre-packaged, commercially-produced caramel apples have been linked to 29 illnesses, including 5 deaths, in 10 states. Two companies have issued recalls. Click here to read more.
December 18, 2014 — The Minnesota Department of Health has reported four illnesses and two death linked to pre-packaged, commercially produced caramel apples that may be topped with nuts, chocolate, or sprinkles. They warn:
“Consumers should not eat any brands of commercially-produced pre-packaged caramel apples until additional information is available.”
The bad apples came from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods, which carried Carnival brand and Kitchen Cravings brand caramel apples. These two brands are no longer available for purchase at retail locations. Other brands and locations may be involved in the outbreak. Click here to read more.
What is the problem?
Caramel apples, a popular holiday food, have been linked to a deadly outbreak of food poisoning that began just before Halloween and continued into November. However, because the pre-packaged commercially-produced apples have a shelf life of a month or more, health officials are concerned that some may still be on store shelves or in homes.
CDC Outbreak Investigation
On December 19, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 28 illnesses in 10 states, including five deaths.
Illnesses have been reported in: Arizona (4), California (1), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), New Mexico (5), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2). Illness onset dates range from October 17, 2014, to November 27, 2014.
Illnesses that started after December 3 might not yet be reported. Unlike most types of food poisoning, Listeria might not cause symptoms for up to 70 days after the initial infection.
Early findings from the CDC:
- Of the 28 people infected, 26 have been hospitalized
- Five deaths have been reported, with Listeriosis contributing to at least four of those deaths.
- Nine illnesses occurred in pregnant women or her newborn infant
- Three invasive illnesses (meningitis) have been reported in children aged 5-15 years
- 15 (83%) of sick people who were interviewed reported eating commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples before getting sick.
- No illnesses have been linked to non-caramel apples
What is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a rare but serious, often life-threatening type of food poisoning caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. The disease is most serious for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Risks During Pregnancy
Although pregnant women may only have mild flu-like symptoms, they can have a miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. Babies can be born with the infection is their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Symptoms may begin anywhere from 3-70 days after ingesting contaminated food, but usually after about 3 weeks. Healthy adults often do not have symptoms.
Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Nervous system infection
- Meningitis
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
How Does It Spread?
Listeria is a bacteria that is commonly found in soil or water. It can also be transmitted through infected animals. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria continues to grow under refrigeration temperatures. Outbreaks have been linked to hot dogs, lunch meats, soft cheeses, refrigerated smoked seafood, pâtés, and more.
Need a Food Poisoning Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas caramel apple food poisoning lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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