Our law firm is investigating an outbreak of Listeria infections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced caramel apples.
This Outbreak Should Not Have Happened
Our experience is that Listeria outbreaks are preventable. Our investigations of past outbreaks has almost always yielded evidence of unsanitary conditions. At this point, the investigation of the caramel apple outbreak is preliminary, so there are a lot of unknowns, but if history is any guide, something in the processing of the caramel apples went horribly wrong.
We will find out what happened and who is responsible. We have already contacted health officials in their search for answers. Request a free consultation about this outbreak investigation and a lawsuit for compensation and justice: use our online free consultation form or call 1-888-377-8900.
Caramel Apple Outbreak Expected to Grow
To date, 32 people in 11 states have been sickened:
Arizona (4), California (2), Minnesota (4), Missouri (5), Nevada (1), New Mexico (6), North Carolina (1), Texas (4), Utah (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (3).
This is most likely the beginning of a much larger Listeria outbreak linked to packaged caramel apples. This is because Listeria bacteria on apples covered with caramel makes it impossible for anyone to wash the bacteria off of the apple. If the bacteria is there, even trace amounts, someone could get sick. The elderly, people with compromised immune systems, babies and pregnant women are most at risk.
The incubation period for Listeria illnesses can be up to 70 days and the shelf life of the caramel apples can be a month. This means people may be getting sick from these apples for a month or more.
Do Not Eat Packaged Caramel Apples
The CDC is recommending that U.S. consumers not eat any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings, until more specific guidance can be provided.