Firm recalls caramel apples amid fears of listeria linked to deaths or illnesses in 10 states

A Missouri firm is recalling its Happy Apple brand caramel apples because of the potential that they could be contaminated with listeria.

The recall comes after at least three deaths and at least 29 illnesses in 10 states have been linked to an outbreak of the deadly bacteria.

Happy Apple Co. of Washington, Missouri, said in a statement Wednesday that one of the apple suppliers to its California facility reports that there may be a connection between the listeria outbreak and the apples it had supplied. The recall covers 31 states.

The Food and Drug Administration is continuing to advise consumers not to eat prepacked, commercially produced whole caramel apples.