The Centers for Disease Control via the Joplin Health Department is making sure that no one still has in his or her household any Happy Apple Brand caramel apples from the Happy Apple Company [a misnomer] of Washington, Missouri. A voluntary recall of the brand with a best-use-by-date between August 25th and November 23, 2014, was made by the family-owned company, removing the product from store shelves, but obviously not before the Halloween distribution season.

The apples were found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that could cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. The CDC noted 29 illnesses in 10 states linked to the infection. Distribution was widespread and included Missouri and nearby states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas as well as 27 others.

The CDC is advising that the apples should be disposed of in a secure container to avoid potential contamination to animals.

Have any comments for Happy Apples company officials? Send an e-mail here.

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