Kroger stops selling unrefrigerated caramel apples
The Kroger Co.has withdrawn from sale unrefrigerated caramel apples that have been pierced with dipping sticks. The Downtown Cincinnati-based grocer cited new scientific evidence that the product, if left unrefrigerated, may be at risk for listeriosis.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with these products. Kroger made its decision out of an abundance of caution after reviewing a study published online by the American Society of Microbiology.
"After reviewing the study, we have decided to voluntarily withdraw unrefrigerated caramel apples from our stores," said Dr. Payton Pruett, Kroger's vice president of food safety, in a news release. "While we believe the potential health risk is minimal, we are acting out of an abundance of caution on behalf of our customers."
Kroger pulled the products from shelves and distribution centers and disposed of them.
Pruett said Kroger is open to carrying the caramel apples again in the future and will work with suppliers to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Listerosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the infection an important public health problem in the United States. The CDC says the disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. "Rarely, persons without these risk factors can also be affected" by the illness, the CDC website says.
Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs nearly 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,623 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.