Caramel apple recall expanded to Kroger brand

A voluntary recall of caramel and candy apples that could have Listeria has been expanded to include ones distributed by Kroger in several states, including Oregon, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

Here’s the news release issued by the Missouri-based manufacturer, Happy Apples.

Out of an abundance of caution and concern for consumer safety, Happy Apples is expanding their voluntary recall of caramel apples to include Kroger Brand caramel apples produced by Happy Apple Company with a best use by date between September 15th and November 18th 2014, because it 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. They were distributed to the following states: Arizona, Alaska, Kansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

We have been working with the Food and Drug Administration in their investigation of the current outbreak of Listeriosis which has been associated with caramel apples. We recently received notice from Bidart Brothers, one of our apple suppliers to our California facility, that there may be a connection between this outbreak and the apples that they supplied to that facility.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which 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.

Happy Apples ceased operations at the end of October as part of our normal, seasonal shut down and the caramel apples produced are no longer available in stores, however, out of deep concern for public safety, we are recommending that consumers follow the advice of the CDC and remove any caramel apples you 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 the CDC. Consumers with questions may contact us at 636-584-6001 Monday through Friday during normal business hours or via email@customercare@happyapples.com.