Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Caramel Apples Linked to 7 Deaths in Multi-State Listeria Outbreak

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Caramel Apples Linked to 7 Deaths in Multi-State Listeria Outbreak

    Source: http://www.kmbz.com/Caramel-Apples-L...-Stat/20556035


    Posted: Friday, 19 December 2014 3:32PM
    Caramel Apples Linked to Four Deaths in Multi-State Listeria Outbreak

    (ATLANTA) -- Health officials are warning consumers to avoid eating caramel apples after linking the fall treats to a multi-state listeria outbreak that has been linked to at least four deaths.

    Officials from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that at least 28 people from 10 states, including Minnesota, Arizona and Texas, have been infected with Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening illness.

    Of those infected, five died and Listeriosis definitely contributed to at least four deaths, according to the CDC.

    Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC warned all consumers to avoid eating prepackaged caramel apples while they investigate the outbreak alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state health organizations.


    The outbreak reported on Friday has infected people across a wide swath of the U.S. from North Carolina to California and across a large age range, from ages 7 to 92, according to the CDC...

  • #2
    Re: Caramel Apples Linked to Four Deaths in Multi-State Listeria Outbreak



    Caramel Apples

    Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples

    Posted December 19, 2014 9:30 AM ET



    Highlights
    • Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers>>
    • CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
    • The information CDC has at this time indicates that commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may be contaminated with Listeria and may be causing this outbreak.
      • Out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends that U.S. consumers do 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.
      • Although caramel apples are often a fall seasonal product, contaminated commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may still be for sale at grocery stores and other retailers nationwide or may be in consumers’ homes.
      • This investigation is rapidly evolving. New information will be provided as it becomes available.
    • As of December 18, 2014, a total of 28 people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 10 states.
      • 26 ill people have been hospitalized. Among the 26 people hospitalized, five deaths have been reported. Listeriosis contributed to at least four of these deaths.
      • Nine illnesses were pregnancy-related (occurred in a pregnant woman or her newborn infant).
      • Three invasive illnesses (meningitis) were among otherwise healthy children aged
        5–15 years.
      • To date, 15 (83%) of the 18 ill people interviewed reported eating commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples before becoming ill.
      • At this time, no illnesses related to this outbreak have been linked to apples that are not caramel-coated and not prepackaged or to caramel candy.
    • Investigators are working quickly 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.
    • This investigation is rapidly evolving, and new information will be provided as it becomes available.
    • ...

    http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreak...-14/index.html


    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreak...12-14/map.html




    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

    Comment


    • #3

      Dec 19, 2014, 2:07 PM ET
      By GILLIAN MOHNEY via Good Morning America

      Those sickened in Minnesota bought caramel apples from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip and Mike?s Discount Foods, which carried the Carnival and Kitchen Cravings brand of caramel apples, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

      ...
      Dr. Jay Ellingson, the corporate director of food safety and quality assurance for Kwik Trip stores, said the pre-packaged caramel apples have been off the shelves for weeks and the company has been working with state and federal authorities "to make sure public health is protected."
      ...
      A number for the Kitchen Cravings brand of apples could not immediately be found.

      KITCHEN CRAVINGS - Trademark Details
      Status: 819 - SU - Registration Review Complete
      ...
      Current Trademark Owners
      Party Name Kwik Trip, Inc.
      Recently started handling raw meats:

      Convenience store trends, insights and ideas for understanding your c-store customers and marketing to the right audience in the right way.

      Category News
      >
      General Merchandise
      May 16, 2014
      Kwik Trip Adds Fresh Meats (Slideshow)
      Convenience store chain turns up the heat, targets grilling season grocery list
      _____________________________________________

      Ask Congress to Investigate COVID Origins and Government Response to Pandemic.

      i love myself. the quietest. simplest. most powerful. revolution ever. ---- nayyirah waheed

      "...there’s an obvious contest that’s happening between different sectors of the colonial ruling class in this country. And they would, if they could, lump us into their beef, their struggle." ---- Omali Yeshitela, African People’s Socialist Party

      (My posts are not intended as advice or professional assessments of any kind.)
      Never forget Excalibur.

      Comment


      • #4
        Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples


        Posted December 22, 2014 5:30 PM ET



        Highlights

        • Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers>>(http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreak...consumers.html)
        • CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
        • The information CDC has at this time indicates that commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may be contaminated with Listeria and may be causing this outbreak.
          • Out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends that U.S. consumers do 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.
          • Although caramel apples are often a fall seasonal product, contaminated commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may still be for sale at grocery stores and other retailers nationwide or may be in consumers? homes.
          • This investigation is rapidly evolving. New information will be provided as it becomes available.
        • As of December 22, 2014, a total of 29 people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 10 states.
          • All 29 ill people have been hospitalized and, five deaths have been reported. Listeriosis contributed to three of these deaths and it is unclear whether it contributed to a fourth. The fifth death was unrelated to listeriosis.
          • Nine illnesses were pregnancy-related (occurred in a pregnant woman or her newborn infant).
          • Three invasive illnesses (meningitis) were among otherwise healthy children aged
            5?15 years.
          • To date, 20 (87%) of the 23 ill people interviewed reported eating commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples before becoming ill.
          • At this time, no illnesses related to this outbreak have been linked to apples that are not caramel-coated and not prepackaged or to caramel candy.
        • Investigators are working quickly 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.
        • This investigation is rapidly evolving, and new information will be provided as it becomes available.

        ...





        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #5
          Recall -- Firm Press Release


          FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

          Happy Apple Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Caramel Apples due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes


          Contact:
          Consumer
          1-800-527-7532
          Happy Apple Company
          P.O. Box 1038
          Washington, MO 63090

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 24, 2014 - Happy Apples, is issuing a voluntary recall of Happy Apple Brand caramel apples with a best use by date between August 25th and November 23rd 2014, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

          Happy Apple caramel apples are sold in single pack, three packs, four packs and eight packs and each package will have a best use by date on the front of the label. They were available for retail sale through grocery, discount and club stores, generally in the produce section and were distributed to retailers in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin.

          We have been working with the Food and Drug Administration in their investigation of the current outbreak of Listeriosis which has been associated with caramel apples. We recently received notice from Bidart Brothers, one of our apple suppliers to our California facility that there may be a connection between this outbreak and the apples that they supplied to that facility.

          As has been reported in the news, the Center for Disease Control has noted 29 illnesses in 10 states linked to the outbreak and they have advised consumers not to eat commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples until more is known.

          We ceased our operations at the end of October as part of our normal, seasonal shut down and the caramel apples produced are no longer available in stores, however, out of an abundance of caution and concern for consumer safety, we are recommending that consumers follow the advice of the CDC and remove any caramel apples you may have in storage and dispose of them in a secure container to avoid potential contamination in animals.

          Consumers who have any product may return it to the store where purchased or dispose of it per the advice of the CDC. Consumers with questions may contact us at 800-527-7532 Monday through Friday during normal business hours or via email@customercare@happyapples.com.

          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment


          • #6
            Source: http://seattletimes.com/html/localne...updatexml.html

            Originally published Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 10:20 AM
            Caramel-apple listeria outbreak continues to grow

            At least 32 people in the U.S. ? and two in Canada ? have been sickened by listeria-tainted caramel apples, health officials said. That includes six deaths as retailers rush to recall the potentially contaminated treats.
            By JoNel Aleccia
            Seattle Times health reporter

            At least 32 people in the U.S. have been sickened by listeria-tainted caramel apples ? including six who have died ? even as firms nationwide continue to recall the treats sold this fall, health officials said Wednesday.

            Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their figures in the growing outbreak, reporting that 31 of 32 victims have been hospitalized in 11 states. In addition, two cases related to the outbreak have been reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada...

            Comment


            • #7
              Public Health Notice Update – United States Outbreak of Listeria infections related to prepackaged caramel apples that may have been distributed in Canada

              December 28, 2014
              Why you should take note

              The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples. Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.

              There are currently two cases of listeriosis in Canada with the same genetic fingerprint as seen in the US investigation (one case in Ontario, one case in Manitoba). The investigation continues to determine if these individuals consumed prepackaged caramel apples imported from the US.

              The Public Health Agency of Canada and its federal partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada are continuing to investigate whether the products potentially linked to illnesses in the US may have been imported and distributed in Canada.

              The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning for all varieties of Happy Apples caramel apples due to possible Listeria contamination. As a precaution, the Public Health Agency of Canada is advising that Canadians do not eat Happy Apples caramel apples or any other commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples imported from the US until further notice. This includes plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings. These products could have a shelf life of one month.

              Based on current information related to this investigation, the risk to Canadians remains low. The Public Health Agency of Canada and its partners will notify Canadians of any increased risk to public health as new information becomes available.

              Ongoing Investigation

              The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified two cases of illnesses with the same genetic fingerprint as seen in the US investigation. There is one case in Ontario, and one case in Manitoba. The status of these individuals is not known at this time.

              The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with its provincial and territorial partners to determine the source of these illnesses. At this time, it is not known whether these illnesses are linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples imported from the US.

              The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning for Happy Apples caramel apples and is continuing to work closely with U.S. officials to determine if other potentially affected product may have been distributed in Canada. If further products are identified, the Agency will inform the public and ensure that they are promptly removed from the marketplace.

              What you should do

              If you have any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples imported from the US in your home, do not eat them. If you have a candy apple product and are unsure if it would qualify as a caramel apple, do not consume it.

              Secure the caramel apple in a plastic bag and throw it out. Then wash your hands thoroughly in warm soapy water.

              Securing it in a plastic bag will ensure that no animals consume the product from your garbage. Food contaminated with

              Listeria may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.
              If you suspect you have been ill from eating a commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apple, talk to your healthcare provider.

              Symptoms

              Many people are exposed to Listeria, but only a few will actually develop listeriosis. Mild symptoms may include:
              • fever
              • muscle aches
              • nausea
              • diarrhea

              Severe symptoms may include:
              • headache
              • poor coordination
              • seizures
              • neck stiffness

              In the milder form of the disease, symptoms can start the following day after consuming a product with Listeria. For the more serious form of the disease, the incubation period is generally much longer; on average about 21 days, but can be up to 70 days after exposure.

              Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is key, especially for people at high risk, such as pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

              What the Public Health Agency of Canada is doing

              The Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial partners, will continue to monitor for and investigate any new cases of Listeria that may be related to this outbreak as part of its routine surveillance activities.

              Additional information
              http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2...steria-eng.php
              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • #8

                Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples

                Posted January 10, 2015 11:00 AM ET

                Highlights
                • Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers>>
                • CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenesinfections (listeriosis) linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples.Listeria can cause a serious, life-threatening illness.
                  • People at higher risk for listeriosis include adults 65 years or older, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
                • On January 6, 2015, Bidart Bros. of Bakersfield, California voluntarily recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples because environmental testing revealed contamination withListeria monocytogenes at the firm?s apple-packing facility.
                  • On January 8, 2015, FDA laboratory analyses showed that these Listeria isolates were indistinguishable from outbreak strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
                  • Listeria isolates from whole apples produced by Bidart Bros., collected along the distribution chain, were also indistinguishable from outbreak strains by PFGE.
                • Consumers should not eat any recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples produced by Bidart Bros., and retailers should not sell or serve them.
                  • Consumers who are buying or have recently bought Granny Smith or Gala apples can ask their retailers if the apples came from Bidart Bros.
                • Consumers should not eat commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples that were recalled or made with Bidart Bros. apples, and retailers should not sell or serve them.
                  • Happy Apples, California Snack Foods, and Merb?s Candies each announced a voluntary recall of commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples after hearing from Bidart Bros. that there may be a connection between Bidart Bros. apples and this listeriosis outbreak.
                  • Consumers who are buying or have recently bought commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples can ask their retailers if the apples came from Bidart Bros.
                  • Consumers who are unable to determine whether their commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples were made with Bidart Bros. apples should throw them away.
                • As of January 10, 2015, a total of 32 people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes had been reported from 11 states.
                  • Thirty-one ill people have been hospitalized, and seven deaths have been reported. Listeriosis contributed to at least three of these deaths.
                  • Ten illnesses were pregnancy-related (occurred in a pregnant woman or her newborn infant), with one illness resulting in a fetal loss.
                  • Three invasive illnesses (meningitis) were among otherwise healthy children aged 5?15 years.
                  • To date, 25 (89%) of the 28 ill people interviewed reported eating commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples before becoming ill.
                • The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has identified 2 cases of listeriosis in Canada with the same PFGE patterns as seen in the U.S. outbreak.
                  • PHAC is working with its provincial and territorial partners to determine the source of these illnesses.
                • This investigation is rapidly evolving, and new information will be provided as it becomes available.

                ...

                http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreak...-14/index.html
                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment

                Working...
                X