The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a public warning on the consumption of Gala or Granny Smith apples due to Listeria risk. These apples are listed in FDA's 2015 list of recalled foods and products. However, the recall appears to be limited to caramel apples.
The outbreak has sent at least 32 people from 11 states to hospitals due to Listeriosis. Up to date, six people have died from the said condition. Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes characterized by symptoms like fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vomiting, sometimes preceded by diarrhea. Most deaths are caused by dehydration.
FDA confirms that the recall is because of the series of tests conducted at the Gala apple facility in California wherein two strains of Listeria were found. Bidart Bros, the manufacturer of the said caramel apples, has voluntarily recalled their apples and informed the public on ways to get full refund of the products. Their last shipment date was December 2, 2014.
Meanwhile, the Listeria scare has reached Canada specifically in Ontario and Manitoba. Two people were hospitalized and tested positive for the bacteria. Before they got sick, they consumed pre-packed caramel apples imported from United States. Hence, their government and health department have issued a health warning for their constituents to refrain from purchasing and eating these apples.
According to a press release by the FDA, "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."
