At least 28 people have been sickened in an outbreak of listeriosis food poisoning linked to caramel apples tainted with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. 2 strains of Listeria monocytogenes are involved in this outbreak, which involves 2 clusters of illnesses.
28 people from 10 states have been sickened in this outbreak: Arizona (4), California (1), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), New Mexico (5), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (2).
Our lawyers are investigating the listeriosis outbreak linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. The connection between the illnesses and the caramel apples has been determined by analyzing patient interviews (epidemiology) and DNA testing called pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). This is solid evidence that can be used to hold all responsible companies accountable.
People were sickened in the outbreak from October 17, 2014, to November 27, 2014.
Nine illnesses have been associated with a pregnancy (occurred in a pregnant woman or her newborn infant). Our lawyers have helped woman who lost babies to this killer pathogen. When a woman eats food tainted with Listeria bacteria, the bacteria can travel to the baby via the placenta. When the baby is born, there may not be signs of listeriosis for hours or days, but when symptoms appear, the course of the illness can quickly take the baby’s life. Our lawyers have helped families who have lost little ones. Contact our lawyers for help.
Among people whose illnesses were not associated with a pregnancy, ages ranged from 7 to 92 years. Of the children sickened, 3 developed Listeria meningitis, as did some of the adults. Of the 26 ill persons for whom information is available, all were hospitalized, and 5 of them tragically died.
Investigation of the Caramel Apple Outbreak
To date, 15 of the 18 outbreak victims interviewed reported eating commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples before becoming ill. The finding that most of the ill people reported consuming these apples suggests that these Listeria infections are likely related to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Investigators are rapidly working to determine specific brands or types of commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples that may be linked to illnesses and to identify the source of contamination.
Although limited information is currently available about the specific brand(s) of commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples consumed, Minnesota has released this information:
The 4 Minnesotans sickened in the caramel apple outbreak ate commercially packaged caramel apples purchased at Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods and branded either Carnival or Kitchen Cravings. Of the 4, 2 were killed by the tainted caramel apples.
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Our national food safety lawyers are some of the few in the country who have won multimillion-dollar settlements from food companies and retailers who sold food tainted with Listeria bacteria. Request a free consultation: use our online free consultation form or call 1-888-377-8900. To date, there are 5 wrongful death claims, and the 23 personal injury claims.