Listeria monocytogenes United States, Canada · 2014 to 2015

Listeria outbreak linked to prepackaged caramel apples, United States, 2014 to 2015

CDC reported 35 people infected with outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes in 12 states, 34 of them hospitalised. Seven deaths were reported and CDC said listeriosis contributed to at least three. The caramel apples were made from Bidart Bros. apples, and Bidart Bros. of Bakersfield, California recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples in January 2015. The Public Health Agency of Canada identified one genetically related case.¹

Counts as reported on 12 February 2015.¹ Food vehicle: Commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples made from Bidart Bros. apples. Company named in official findings: Bidart Bros. (Bakersfield, California).

Timeline

1. 17 October 2014Earliest illness onset reported by CDC.¹
2. 19 December 2014CDC initial announcement.¹
3. 24 December 2014Happy Apple Company recalled caramel apples.¹
4. 6 January 2015Bidart Bros. recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples.¹
5. 18 January 2015Whole genome sequencing results confirmed high relatedness of isolates.¹
6. 12 February 2015CDC page last reviewed and investigation closed.¹

Sources

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Commercially Produced, Prepackaged Caramel Apples Made from Bidart Bros. Apples (Final Update) (12 February 2015)