The FDA recently issued a safety warning on a batch of caramel apples that are causing illness and death in at least 10 states. The commercially-produced, prepackaged caramel apples are sold by the Happy Apple Company and labeled as Karm’l Dapples. Wrongful death lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm report on this outbreak and who is most vulnerable.
Posted on Christmas morning, the FDA’s warning states that at least 29 people in 10 states have been infected with Listeria monocytogenes from the apples. All 29 victims were hospitalized, and five people have died. About nine of the reported illnesses were in pregnant women.
Pregnant women and are among those most at-risk of serious and fatal Listeria infections. Others in the high-risk group include the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, those with chronic medical conditions, and newborns. The FDA is working to identify exactly what products are contaminated with Listeria and how the contamination occurred.
The recalled Happy Apples have a “best use by date” between August 25th and November 23rd, 2014. They were sold in single, three, four, and eight packs, and the “best by” date is on the front of the label. The caramel apples were sold at popular grocery and discount club stores, generally in the produce section.
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The caramel apples were distributed 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, and Wisconsin.
Consumers should not eat commercially-produced, prepackaged caramel apples, including those with nuts, sprinkles, chocolate or other toppings until more details are known. Any caramel apples that have already been purchased should be thrown away.
Signs and symptoms of Listeria infection include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches • Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms • Chills • Stiff neck • Confusion or changes in alertness • Loss of balance • Convulsions
For pregnant women and newborns a Listeria infection can be devastating. In newborns, the signs and symptoms of a Listeria infection may include:
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• Irritability • Little interest in feeding • Vomiting • Fever
If you experience any signs of a Listeria infection, contact your doctor immediately. If your symptoms appear to be neurological – such as stiff neck, confusion, sensitivity to light, or severe headache – seek emergency care. Listeria can cause bacterial meningitis, which is a life-threatening complication.
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More on this outbreak can be found on the FDA’s website, located here. If you or someone you love was seriously sickened or killed by a contaminated or recalled food, our attorneys are here to help. We offer free, no-obligation legal consultations to potential clients in all 50 states, and we never charge any attorneys’ fees unless we are successful in your case. Call us now or fill out the short contact form to the right of your screen to talk to an attorney immediately.
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