CDC, FDA: Multistate listeriosis outbreak linked to caramel apples

The CDC and FDA announced an ongoing investigation of an outbreak of listeria infections associated with commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples.

As of Dec. 18, 28 people reportedly have been infected with strains of Listeria monocytogenes associated with the outbreak, 26 of whom have been hospitalized, according to a statement from the CDC.

Patients included in this outbreak range in age from 7 to 92 years, and have been reported from 10 states: Arizona, California, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Nine cases of infection have been associated with pregnancy, occurring in a pregnant woman or her newborn child.

Persons infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes, by state of residence, as of December 18, 2014 (n=28)

There have been 5 deaths among those hospitalized with L. monocytogenes. The infection contributed to four of these deaths, according to the CDC.

Fifteen of 18 patients that have been interviewed reported eating commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples prior to illness.

“The information CDC has at this time indicates that commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples may be contaminated with Listeria and may be causing this outbreak,” the statement said.

Investigators are working to determine specific brands or types of prepackaged caramel apples linked to the outbreak.

The CDC recommends that consumers do not eat any commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples until further guidance is available.

For more information:

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/caramel-apples-12-14/index.html.

For advice to consumers and retailers, visit http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/caramel-apples-12-14/advice-consumers.html.