Well, there's good news and bad news.

The good news is, it's CARAMEL APPLE SEASON, YA'LL!!!!

The bad news is...the could KILL you, if you don't eat them quickly enough.

Last year, 7 people were killed by a Listeria outbreak caused by candy apples.  A year-long study has been trying to figure out just why they're good breeding grounds for bacteria.

First, dipping an apple in hot caramel does NOT kill all the bacteria on the skin; in fact, it adds a nice insulated layer for the bacteria to multiply.

It's especially bad if the apples are kept refrigerated for a long time after they're made.

Second, bacteria can form around the stick you shoved into the apple, given enough time.

So, don't give them the time.

Scientists say if you was the apples really well before you dip them, and eat them within a few days, they'll be ok.  But letting them sit longer than a week or so, they enter the danger zone.

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