The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now reporting 32 confirmed illnesses linked to the caramel covered apples produced by several manufactures who used Bidart Bros. Granny Smith and/or Gala apples. Bidart has issued a general recall as a result, and at least some of those companies whose caramel apples have been directly linked to these illnesses have also issued recalls, including Happy Apples, California Snack Foods, and Merb’s Candies. The companies all use Bidart Bros. Apples for production of at least some of their seasonal caramel apples, which were launched in the pre-Halloween period, one of the fiscally largest for candy and sweet producers.
On January 8th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined through laboratory analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis that the Listeria samples collected from swabbing/samples taken at the Bidart Bros. facility at the processing facility were indistinguishable for the outbreak strain. This analysis only confirmed the already compelling evidence, based upon the use of trace-back information, that the Listeria had originated at Bidart Bros. And now a seventh individual, who was a confirmed Listeria victim, has died. So far:
– 7 deaths have been reported
– 31 of the 32 victims have been hospitalized
– 10 of the victims are pregnant women
– At least one fetal lose has been reported
– At least three children have been diagnosed with meningitis
– At least one elderly woman has been diagnosed with spinal meningitis
– 2 additional cases have been identified in Canada
Listeria Lawyer Ron Simon, of Ron Simon & Associates, is currently representing a number of the victims. “This outbreak of Listeria,” Simon notes, “as in most outbreaks of Listeria, was completely avoidable. We want to work with the health departments and the producers to see where the system broke down, and to make sure that the proper reforms are put in place to prevent the further spreading of Listeria in this case or in any future outbreak.”
If you or a loved one consumed the recalled caramel apples, and have subsequently become ill, the attorneys at Ron Simon & Associates encourage you to seek medical attention immediately. Listeria hospitalizes over 85% of its victims, and as in this case, can be fatal.
