Two strains of Listeria monocytogenes associated with an outbreak of the foodborne illness linked to three deaths in the US have been detected at a production facility operated by California apple processor Bidart Bros., the US Food and Drug Administration revealed. 

Following the findings, Bidart Bros. issued a voluntary recall of all of its Granny Smith and Gala apples still available in the marketplace.

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Last month, six deaths were reported across the country related to the listeria outbreak. The CDC confirmed listeriosis contributed to three of the six deaths. It is unclear whether it contributed to two other deaths, while a sixth fatality was unrelated to listeriosis.

“The results are devastating to the Bidart family,” said Leonard Bidart, president Bidart Bros. “As a family-owned grower operating in California since the 1930s, we place safety at the forefront of everything we do. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the apple-related listeriosis outbreak.”

As of 9 January, 32 people were infected with the outbreak across 11 states. 

Earlier this month, three other firms issued a recall of their caramel apple products. 

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