CDPH: 'Happy Apple Brand Caramel Apples Were Possibly Contaminated With Listeria'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Health officials warned the public Thursday against eating different varieties of manufactured caramel apple products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) officials explained they are currently working alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other state and local agencies to investigate 29 cases of Listeriosis, which have been reported across 10 states, and appear to be linked to the consumption of multiple brands of caramel apples.

However, whole and in-tact apples, apple-based beverages and apple sauce products do not appear to be associated with the outbreak.

Authorities explained all of the cases have been hospitalized, and five deaths have been reported as a result. At this time, a single case patient in California has reportedly died.

According to the CDPH, the Happy Apple Company — which has manufacturing facilities located in Orosi, Calif., and Union, Mo. — has voluntarily recalled all varieties of their Happy Apple Brand Caramel Apples with "best if used by" dates between Aug. 25 and Nov. 23.

The company reportedly learned from one of their apple suppliers that there was a recall of apples, which they used to produce their caramel apple products with.

Happy Apple Brand Caramel Apples have been sold at multiple retail, discount and club store locations throughout California and 30 other states.

The recalled products were packaged in clear, plastic containers, which were sold as a single pack, three pack, four pack or eight pack.

CDC officials recommend not to eat any commercially produced or prepackaged caramel apples until the investigation has determined all of the brands that may have been exposed in the outbreak.

These include plain caramel apples, as well as those containing nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, or other toppings.

Officials explained that recalled apples are not likely to remain on grocery store shelves, however, consumers still may have the products inside their homes.

Anyone who is in possession of the recalled items are encouraged to dispose of the product safely in the trash.

According to the CDPH, symptoms of Listeria include high fever, headache, and neck stiffness.

Those with weakened immune systems, elderly and infants are at the highest risk for severe illness and death, officials explained.

Those who may feel ill after eating a caramel apple product should consult with their health care provider.

Anyone who may observe recalled items being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH by calling (800) 495-3232.