February: End of Listeria-tained caramel apple investigation
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in apples linked to the deaths of at least three people had ended in February.
A total of 35 people were reported from 12 states, 34 were hospitalized and listeriosis contributed to at least three of seven deaths.
Bidart Bros. of Bakersfield, California recalled Granny Smith and Gala apples at the time because environmental testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes at its apple-packing facility.