The FDA found 2 strains of Listeria monocytogenes at the Bidart Brothers apple processing plant in California. These strains are same strains associated with a multi-state outbreak of Listeria illnesses (listeriosis) linked to caramel apples that has sickened at least 32 people in 11 states, 6 of whom died. These strains were also found in Bidart Bros. apples collected from a retailer by the FDA.
Our law firm is representing a mother and her baby who were sickened in the outbreak. The mother ate a caramel apple while pregnant and the baby was born prematurely with Listeria. He was hospitalized for 4 weeks. You can contact our law firm for a FREE case evaluation, and join others who were harmed in this outbreak.
The investigation of the outbreak quickly lead to Bidart Bros. apples as the likely source of the outbreak. People had purchased Carnival, Happy Apple and Merb’s apples at various retail stores in the 11 states involved in the outbreak. The one connection was that all of the brands had used at least some Bidart Brothers apples.
The FDA obtained environmental samples from the Bidart Bros. apple processing plant. Tests performed on these samples found the two outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the CDC has confirm that a majority of people sickened in the outbreak at caramel apples.
In response to the finding of Listeria bacteria at the plant, Bidart Bros. recalled all of its Granny Smith and Gala apples still available in the marketplace. Bidart Bros. last shipped Granny Smith apples to customers on December 2, 2014.
If you have Granny Smith or Gala apples, you should not eat them until you find out if they were processed by Bidart Bros. When in doubt, throw them out.
Compensation for Listeriosis
If you or a family member contracted listeriosis after eating a caramel apple, you can contact our law firm for information on a lawsuit and join others who are seeking compensation. Request a free case evaluation and lawsuit information: submit our FREE consultation form (click here now) or call 1-888-377-8900.