Carnival and Kitchen Cravings caramel apples purchased from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip and Mike’s Discount Foods have been linked to 4 cases of listeriosis, the infection caused by food tainted with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Of the 4 sickened, 2 have died.
When and How Did Listeria Contaminate the Caramel Apples?
Listeria bacteria can get on apples if they fall on the ground, are washed with contaminated water, or are processed with contaminated equipment. Our lawyers investigated another outbreak where the tainted produce was “cleaned” on a piece of equipment that had a puddle of sludge under it. The sludge was teaming with Listeria bacteria.
We do not know how the apples became tainted, but something went terribly wrong. Filing a lawsuit is a ticket to finding answers. Our lawyers can only inspect the processing plant if they file suit on behalf of someone sickened in the outbreak and/or his or her family.
In addition, corporate documents can be obtained after a lawsuit is filed. These can help determine when the company knew about the risk of contamination and if sanitation procedures were followed prior to the contamination. Request a free listeriosis case evaluation: click here now or call 612-338-0202.
More about the Outbreak
These 4 cases are part of a multistate Listeria outbreak that has sickened 29 people in 10 states. The CDC is warning consumers not to eat any prepackaged caramel apples until more is known about the source of this outbreak. This includes caramel apples with other toppings such as nuts, chocolate, and sprinkles.
Four people in Minnesota who were part of this outbreak were adults ages 59 to 90 years. They became ill in late October and November. Three of them were from the Twin Cities area, and one was from outstate Minnesota.
How Does Listeriosis Spread to the Brain and Cause Meningitis?
Most people who contract listeriosis develop Listeria meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain (meninges) that is often fatal. This often develops as meningoencephalitis, an infection of the meninges and an inflammation of the brain itself (encephalitis). This can cause seizures, coma and paralysis.
How do the bacteria go from the intestines to the brain? When food contaminated with Listeria bacteria is eaten, the bacteria can grow in the intestines, causing gastroenteritis, with flu-like symptoms. The bacteria move to the liver and then to the blood, where they travel to the brain.
What about Sepsis?
Listeria bacteria cause sepsis in much the same way that they cause meningitis. Sepsis is a potentially-fatal condition in which your immune system’s reaction to an infection in the blood can lead to multiple-organ failure. Listeriosis is more likely to cause sepsis than other foodborne illnesses because Listeria bacteria can easily move from one kind of cell to another, eluding the bodies immune system. The Listeria bacteria move from the intestines to the liver (as with meningitis) and then spread to the blood and throughout the body. Signs and symptoms of sepsis can include fever, night sweats, chills, extreme fatigue and lethargy, mental confusion, heart problems and breathing problems.
About Our Law Firm
We are a national food safety law firm with offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our lawyers represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits throughout the United States. You can contact us by using our online free consultation form (click here now) or by calling 612-338-0202.