From chocolate buttons to sour sweets, Halloween snacks are not usually the healthiest choices.
However, Brits are being warned of a seemingly healthier option that could cause vomiting, diarrhoea or much worse.
According to Tom Wood, a nutritionist from Fitness Volt, people should “avoid” eating caramel apples.
Also known as candy apples or sticky apples, these sweet treats could lead to serious illness, according to the expert.
Wood said: “Growing up I used to love candy apples, but, unfortunately, they aren’t safe to eat.
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“There is a pathogen called Listeria monocytogenes that naturally occurs in soil and it can contaminate the apples during the harvesting process.”
The nutritionist explained that when a stick is inserted into the apple, a small amount of juice moves to the surface.
That moisture, trapped under a layer of caramel, creates an ideal environment for Listeria to grow, Wood claims.
He said: “The Listeria can live on the skin of the apple and when the apple is punctured with the wooden skewers that we use to eat them, this can then push the Listeria from the outside of the apple into the core.
“The inside of the apple is juicy, and sugary and has everything the Listeria pathogen needs to survive and grow quickly.”
While the nutritionist warned that you can become very sick, the risk of catching Listeria this way is very low.
Listeria can contaminate a whole host of foods, but most infections tend to be triggered by chilled foods like cured meats, smoked fish, cheeses, ready-made sandwiches and more, the NHS reports.
According to the Food Standards Agency, “refrigerated storage and shelf life are key food safety controls to prevent listeria growth”.
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What are the symptoms of Listeriosis?
Listeriosis refers to a very serious condition that can cause a range of problems, ranging from mild symptoms to death in more severe cases.
Younger children, the elderly, people with chronic conditions and pregnant women are at the highest risk, the nutritionist warned.
He said: “Minor symptoms can include muscle aches, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Whereas severe symptoms can cause stiffness, confusion, convulsions and death.
“In pregnant women, Listeriosis can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, and babies born with a Listeriosis infection can have lifelong health conditions.
“Due to the wide range of symptoms, if you suspect yourself having a Listeria monocytogenes infection, you should see a healthcare professional right away and let them know what food you have consumed.”
According to Wood, the symptoms can begin anywhere from nine to 48 hours after consuming the contaminated food, but the bacteria can live in your intestines for up to six weeks.
The nutritionist added that while candy apples could be risky, apples and caramel on their own are safe if prepared to the correct food standards.
“If you are looking for a sweet treat this Halloween, avoid candy apples as it could have deadly consequences,” Wood added.
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