Merb’s Candies, with locations in Saint Louis, Sappington and Ballwin, Missouri, has just issued a recall of two of its most popular caramel apple products, including Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples. According to the release, these apples may possibly carry Listeria monocytogenes. Merb’s issues the recall after being notified by one of its apple suppliers, Bidart Brothers, that there may be a connection between those apples and a nation-wide outbreak of Listeriosis among consumers of caramel apples. So far there are 30 confirmed cases of Listeriosis in at least 10 states, including Missouri. As many as five of the victims have since died. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) , is heading this investigation, and has issued a consumer warning against the consumption of any commercially produced and packaged caramel apples pending resolution of its investigation in to this deadly outbreak.
Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples have been distributed for retail sale throughout St. Louis, usually in the produce section of local supermarkets, and by mail across the nation. The Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples were sold between September 8th and November 25th of this year.
Merb’s Candies has expressed its commitment to working with FDA while it and other agencies continue to trace the origins of the Listeria monocytogenes. As part of that cooperation, Merb’s has suspended all production of caramel apples (doing so on November 23rd). At this time, no Merb’s Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples are available for purchase.
“This was the proper action,” says Listeria lawyer Ron Simon who has represented thousands of food poisoning victims. “It is important to prevent the further spread of Listeria and to allow the investigators to determine how this deadly pathogen was introduced into the production and processing of these products. And while it may have started with the apples, cross-contamination, and improper testing have obviously allowed the Listeria to infect ready-to-eat consumer goods. This is unacceptable.” The food poisoning attorneys at Ron Simon & Associates are currently representing victims of this outbreak, and are available to answer any questions or concerns. They can be reached at 1-888-335-4901.
