Five people have died in the US as part of an outbreak of listeria monocytogenes that is believed to be linked to the consumption of pre-packaged caramel apples.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 28 people have fallen ill from listeriosis across ten states. As of 18 December, 26 of these illnesses resulted in hospitalisation. Nine cases of illness were what the CDC described as “pregnancy-related”, occurring in a pregnant woman or in her newborn infant. Three cases of meningitis in otherwise healthy children have been reported in connection with the outbreak, the CDC revealed. Listeriosis is believed to have contributed to at least four of the deaths.
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To date, 83% of the people interviewed by CDC reported eating caramel apples before falling sick.
“Out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends that US consumers do not eat any commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings, until more specific guidance can be provided,” CDC said.
The CDC is working in co-operation with state public health officials and the US Food and Drug Administration to identify the source of the outbreak. To date, it is unclear what companies or brands are affected.
“Investigators are working quickly to determine specific brands or types of commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples that may be linked to illnesses and to identify the source of contamination,” CDC concluded.
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