Caramel Apples Cause Listeriosis Wrongful Death in Minnesota

Two tragic deaths in Minnesota were caused by caramel apples tainted with Listeria bacteria.

Listeria food poisoning is preventable with good sanitation. When someone is killed by Listeria-tainted food, the family has a wrongful death claim.

The tainted caramel apples in this outbreak were sold in Minnesota by Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods and branded either Carnival or Kitchen Cravings. These apples sickened 4 people in Minnesota, 2 of whom survived. The survivors have personal injury claims.

How Did the Caramel Apples Get Contaminated with Listeria Bacteria?

Apples can get contaminated with Listeria bacteria during the washing process. If there is Listeria on any of the equipment, in water used to clean the apples or in a puddle of water underneath cleaning equipment, the apples can get listeria bacteria on them. This alone could cause an outbreak, but dipping the apple in warm caramel could make it worse. This is because the bacteria like warm, wet environments. In addition, it makes it impossible to wash off any bacteria and guarantees the apples will not be cooked (high heat can kill the bacteria). It is a perfect storm for an outbreak of listeriosis (the infection caused by the bacteria).

There is a problem with some apples that are being used for commercial products. Earlier this year, Del Monte recalled products using Gala apples because they may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria:

A total of 3,051 consumer packages containing fresh cut Gala apples were distributed to Giant Eagle, Amazon Fresh, Sunoco, Peter’s Fruit, Wegmans, Sheetz and 7-Eleven and have “Best If Enjoyed By” dates of 12/3/14, 12/6/14, 12/7/14 and 12/8/14.

Now caramel apples from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods are the source of a Listeria outbreak in Minnesota and other states.

  • Is there a connection between the Del Monte recall and the caramel apple outbreak?
  • Where and how were the apples processed?
  • When did the processor know there might be Listeria contamination?
  • Did Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, and Mike’s Discount Foods know or have reason to know that the apples might not be safe to eat?

These and many other questions need answers. A lawsuit forces companies to provide information. Ask our Listeria lawyers for a free consultation: use our free consultation form (click here now) or call 1-888-377-8900.

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Category: Food Poisoning
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