This photo taken Nov. 25, 2013 shows microbiologist Dr. Molly Freeman pulling Listeria bacteria from a tube to be tested for DNA fingerprinting in a foodborne disease outbreak lab at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The nation’s disease detectives are beginning a program to try to outsmart outbreaks by routinely decoding the DNA of deadly bacteria and viruses. The initial target: Listeria, a kind of bacteria that’s the third-leading cause of death from food poisoning, and one that’s especially dangerous to pregnant women.
This photo taken Nov. 25, 2013 shows microbiologist Dr. Molly Freeman pulling Listeria bacteria from a tube to be tested for DNA fingerprinting in a foodborne disease outbreak lab at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The nation’s disease detectives are beginning a program to try to outsmart outbreaks by routinely decoding the DNA of deadly bacteria and viruses. The initial target: Listeria, a kind of bacteria that’s the third-leading cause of death from food poisoning, and one that’s especially dangerous to pregnant women. David Goldman AP
This photo taken Nov. 25, 2013 shows microbiologist Dr. Molly Freeman pulling Listeria bacteria from a tube to be tested for DNA fingerprinting in a foodborne disease outbreak lab at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The nation’s disease detectives are beginning a program to try to outsmart outbreaks by routinely decoding the DNA of deadly bacteria and viruses. The initial target: Listeria, a kind of bacteria that’s the third-leading cause of death from food poisoning, and one that’s especially dangerous to pregnant women. David Goldman AP
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Bakersfield apple producer identified as a source in listeria outbreak

By Sammy Caiola

scaiola@sacbee.com

January 09, 2015 04:22 PM

An apple supplier headquartered in Bakersfield has been identified as a source of a contaminant called listeria, which has sickened 32 people across 11 states, including California. The Food and Drug Administration reported Wednesday that six people died after being infected with the bacteria.

A smokehouse in Santa Barbara is being investigated for possible contamination.

Listeriosis is a serious illness caused by eating food containing the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, gastrointestinal problems and chills. Pregnant women, older adults and newborns are at a high risk of infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that of 26 ill people interviewed, 23 reported eating commercially produced, pre-packaged, whole caramel apples. The FDA is currently investigating Bidart Bros., a Bakersfield apple supplier whose produce is used by Happy Apple Company and Merb’s Candies – two Missouri caramel apple companies that have issued voluntary product recalls because of potential contamination. A third caramel apple supplier, California Snack Foods in El Monte, has also issued a voluntary recall.

The California Department of Public Health joined the FDA in conducting an inspection of Bidart Bros. on Dec. 23. Surface swabs and environmental samples from the facility were tested and found to contain listeria. On January 6, the company voluntarily recalled all Granny Smith and Gala apples shipped from its Shafter location.

The FDA recommends that consumers avoid eating the recalled apples produced by Bidart Bros., which are also sold under the brand names “Big B” and “Granny’s Best,” under other brand names or under no brand. Consumers should not eat any pre-packaged caramel apples until more information is provided.

The California Department of Public Health also issued a warning Friday to consumers not to eat some Santa Barbara Smokehouse cold-smoked salmon products due to concerns about listeria contamination. The smokehouse in Santa Barbara is currently being investigated.

Call The Bee’s Sammy Caiola, (916) 321-1636.

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About This Blog


The Sacramento Bee's team of health reporters covers California health care, medicine and healthy living, with an emphasis on public health and under-served communities.

Sammy Caiola: Health care and healthy living. Reach her at scaiola@sacbee.com or 916-321-1636. Twitter: @SammyCaiola

Claudia Buck: Public health and consumer issues. Reach her at cbuck@sacbee.com or 916-321-1968. Twitter: @Claudia_Buck

Funding for this reporting is paid, in part, by The California Endowment, a private foundation that promotes healthy communities through grants and education. All coverage decisions are made by The Bee.