Although Merb’s Candies ceased production of its brand of Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples over a month ago, Merb’s is issuing a voluntary recall of the two products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria 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.
Merb’s Bionic Apples and Double Dipped Apples were available for retail sales at St. Louis area locations, through local supermarkets (located in the produce section) and through mail orders nationwide. The product is individually packaged in a clear, burgundy and gold cellophane bag and would have been available from September 8 through November 25, 2014. No identifying lot codes were used.
Bidart Brothers, one of Merb’s Candies apple suppliers, initiated a recall as there may be a connection between this outbreak of Listeria Monocytogenes and apples they supplied. Merb’s Candies has been working with the Food and Drug Administration in their investigation of the current outbreak of Listeriosis, which has been associated with caramel apples.
The Centers for Disease Control reports 30 illnesses in 10 states linked to the outbreak and they have advised consumers not to eat commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples until more is known.Consumers that are still in possession of caramel apples can return them to the store where purchased or follow the advice of the CDC and dispose of the product in a secure container to avoid potential contamination to animals.
Consumers with questions may contact the firm at customercare.merbscandies@gmail.com or during normal business hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST at (314) 832-7206.