Happy Apple Company of Washington, MO, is expanding its recall of caramel apples to include Kroger brand caramel apples produced by Happy Apple Company with a best use by date between Sept. 15 and Nov. 18, 2014, because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Kroger brand caramel apples produced by Happy Apple Company are sold in single packs and three packs, and each package will have a best use by date on the front of the label. The caramel apples were distributed in Arizona, Alaska, Kansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The company has been working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its investigation of the current outbreak of Listeriosis, which has been associated with caramel apples. Happy Apple recently received notice from Bidart Brothers, one of the apple suppliers to its California facility, that there may be a connection between this outbreak and the apples that Bidart Brothers supplied to that facility. Happy Apples ceased operations at the end of October as part of its normal seasonal shutdown, and the caramel apples produced are no longer available in stores. However, the company is recommending that consumers follow the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and remove any caramel apples they may have in storage and dispose of them in a secure container to avoid potential contamination in animals. Consumers who have any product may return it to the store where purchased or dispose of it per the advice of CDC. Consumers with questions may contact Happy Apple Company at (636) 584-6001, Monday through Friday during normal business hours, or via email at customercare@happyapples.com. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.