Minnesota links caramel apples, 2 listeria deaths
Updated 7 a.m. | Posted 6:15 a.m.
Minnesota health officials say two people died and two others became ill this fall after eating prepackaged caramel apples contaminated with the bacterium listeria.
Investigators say the victims got sick in October and early November. They were adults ages 59 to 90.
Health officials are urging Minnesotans not to eat prepackaged, commercially produced caramel apples. That includes apples with other coatings, including nuts, chocolate and sprinkles.
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The health department says the victims in Minnesota bought caramel apples from Cub Foods, Kwik Trip and Mike's Discount Foods, which carried Carnival and Kitchen Cravings brand caramel apples. Health officials say they can't rule out other brands or retailers.
None of the illnesses have been linked to regular apples without caramel coatings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with listeria. It usually affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.