Prepackaged Caramel Apples Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Concerns

Last month, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) published information about an outbreak of infections caused by Listeria.  An apple supplier for prepackaged caramel apples may be linked to the listeriosis outbreak and this has already resulted in multiple voluntary product recalls.
 
As of December 31, 2014, “CDC continues to recommend that U.S. consumers do not eat any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples, including plain caramel apples as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings, until more specific guidance can be provided.”
 
Each year, approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. get sick from Listeria and it is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning according to the CDC. Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that has been found in at least 37 mammalian species, both domestic and feral, as well as at least 17 species of birds and possibly some species of fish and shellfish. It has been isolated from soil, silage and other environmental sources. The microorganism is quite hardy and resists the effects of freezing, drying and heat remarkably well. 
 
“Eleven states have already reported infections resulting in dozens of people being hospitalized and multiple deaths,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Listeria has been associated in the past with everything from milk and cheese to fruits, vegetables and meats. At EMSL, we help to avert these types of outbreaks by using advanced testing techniques to identify Listeria and other foodborne pathogens to help prevent contaminated foods from reaching the public.”
 
EMSL has sponsored an educational video about Listeria that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/iXQOwCfZQek.
 
To learn more about testing for Listeria and other food testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

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EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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