Free consultation
Elliot Olsen has more than 20 years’ experience representing people harmed by Listeria, and he has regained millions of dollars in compensation for his clients. If you or a family member became sick after eating contaminated apples, call 612-337-6126, or complete the following:
Update, Dec. 20
ALDI and Kroger grocery stores announced that they also were recalling potentially contaminated apples under the brand names of Jack Brown Produce and Apple Ridge. ALDI said the apples were being sold in its stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The apples were sold in stores in Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.
Original post, Dec. 20
Michigan-based Jack Brown Produce has recalled potentially contaminated apples, news sources are reporting.
The company, located in Sparta, recalled numerous apple types – including Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji and Golden Delicious – because of their “potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.”
Michigan-based Jack Brown Produce has recalled potentially contaminated apples.
The products that might be affected include:
- Honeycrisp apples in 2-pound, clear plastic bags
- Gala, Fuji and Golden Delicious apples in 3-pound, clear plastic bags
- Gala and Fuji apples in 5-pound netted bags
- Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples sold individually.
The potentially contaminated apples are being sold under the brand names of Jack Brown Produce or “Apple Ridge.” They reportedly were shipped by Nyblad Orchards between Dec. 11 and Dec. 16.
The products were sent to retail stores in Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio, the company announced.
Listeria 101
Listeria monocytogenes – also called L. monocytogenes or simply Listeria – produces Listeriosis, a serious illness most commonly contracted by eating contaminated food.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1,600 Americans contract Listeria yearly, and about 260 of those who become sickened die. Because Listeriosis can escalate quickly and become dangerous, those infected generally require hospitalization.
Listeria can infect anyone, but those most at risk of serious complications are:
- pregnant women
- newborn babies
- the elderly
- people with suppressed immune systems.
Expectant mothers need to be particularly vigilant. Listeria can spread to the baby and result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infection of the baby. The CDC estimates that 20 percent of affected pregnancies end in loss of the fetus, and 3 percent end in stillbirth.
Listeria complications
Like many other foodborne pathogens, L. monocytogenes begin to grow in the digestive system but can spread via the bloodstream to infect major organs and the central nervous system, including the brain. The incubation period can be anywhere from three days to two months, although symptoms usually present in the first 30 days.
Listeriosis is the most common result of an infection with Listeria, but if the infection spreads to the nervous system, it can result in bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can worsen to include headaches, a stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions, and light sensitivity. Hospitalization is required.
