SEATTLE — Sometimes when something that “just can’t happen” does happen, valuable lessons are learned. That was the case when some batches of commercially produced, packaged, whole caramel apples turned out to be the cause of a listeriosis outbreak in 2014-15 that infected 35 people from 12 states, putting 34
Continue Reading Listeria outbreak set apple industry on a targeted course
U.S. Apple Industry Gears Up to Comply With FDA’s FSMA Rules
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is more than a well-known saying — it’s also what many people believe to be time-tested truth. And the tradition of giving an apple to a teacher on the first day of school also says something about the apple’s solid reputation for
Continue Reading U.S. Apple Industry Gears Up to Comply With FDA’s FSMA Rules
IAFP 2015: Experts May Have Determined How Caramel Apples Caused That Listeria Outbreak
In November 2014, health officials began investigating two concerning clusters of Listeria infections that seemed to be related. The two strains of bacteria had already killed at least five people and hospitalized a few dozen others by the time they got on the case, and they wanted to find the
Continue Reading IAFP 2015: Experts May Have Determined How Caramel Apples Caused That Listeria Outbreak
Inspectors Find Listeria at Bidart Bros. Cooling and Packing House
Inspector observations from the investigation into the role of Bidart Bros. in last year’s 12-state outbreak of Listeriosis involving commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples found that the problem could well have originated in the California grower’s apple cooler and packing facility. The observations are found on U.S. Food and Drug
Continue Reading Inspectors Find Listeria at Bidart Bros. Cooling and Packing House
Apples Were Apparently the Contaminated Ingredient in Those Caramel Apples
It looks like the apple, and not the caramel, is getting the blame for the deadly multistate outbreak of Listeriosis linked to caramel apples that occurred late last year. The outbreak sickened 35 people in 12 states, requiring hospitalization for all but one victim. Seven of the sickened people died.
Continue Reading Apples Were Apparently the Contaminated Ingredient in Those Caramel Apples
CDC Final Update: 35 U.S. Listeria Illnesses, 1 in Canada Linked to Caramel Apples
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples is likely over. 
“This outbreak appears to be over,” CDC stated in the agency’s Feb. 12 final update on the outbreak. “However, recalled products may
Continue Reading CDC Final Update: 35 U.S. Listeria Illnesses, 1 in Canada Linked to Caramel Apples
Senator Wants More Information on Apple-Linked Listeria Outbreak
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is pressing the Food and Drug Administration for more information regarding the Listeria outbreak connected to prepackaged caramel apples that sickened 32 people in 11 states and contributed to the deaths of at least three. Klobuchar wrote to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to ask that the
Continue Reading Senator Wants More Information on Apple-Linked Listeria Outbreak
Bidart Bros. Sets Up Claim Center for Those Impacted by Listeria Outbreak
Bidart Bros. of Bakersfield, CA, announced Monday that it has launched an online information and claim center to allow those impacted by the recent outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to the company’s apples to file claims. Those who have been injured or who would like to file a loss claim
Continue Reading Bidart Bros. Sets Up Claim Center for Those Impacted by Listeria Outbreak
Update: Bidart Brothers Recalls 2014 Granny Smith and Gala Apples in U.S. and Canada
Bidart Brothers has recalled all Gala and Granny Smith apples shipped from its Shafter, CA, packing facility during 2014. This action came Jan. 6 in a letter from the company to its customers, which stated that tests conducted Dec. 23, 2014, on its apple packing production line had confirmed the
Continue Reading Update: Bidart Brothers Recalls 2014 Granny Smith and Gala Apples in U.S. and Canada