New E. coli outbreak detected in organic walnuts: in which states have the infected batches been distributed?
At least a dozen people in two states have been sickened in a new E. coli outbreak prompting a recall of Gibson Farms organic walnuts sold in 19 states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert for a new E. coli outbreak linked to organic walnuts sold in bulk. At least a dozen people have been sickened in two states, California and Washington, so far. Over half of them have been hospitalized, two patients have acute kidney failure, but no deaths have been reported.
Nearly all of those infected with E. coli O157 reported purchasing organic walnuts in food co-ops or natural food stores from bulk bins. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the walnuts were supplied by Gibson Farms which has issued a multistate recall.
New E. coli outbreak detected in organic walnuts: in which states have the infected batches been distributed?
The organic walnuts were distributed to various co-ops and natural food stores in 19 states including Alaska, Arkansas Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
The FDA says that the products included in the recall, which may include the bulk walnuts repackaged as halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags, have expiration dates between 21 May 2025 and 7 June 2025. The agency has provided a list of stores where the recalled walnuts were sold. It is recommended that if you purchased walnuts at one of them to ask the store if recalled walnuts were sold.
What should I do if I have bought or consumed the affected products?
As mentioned, if you have bought organic walnuts in bulk, halves or pieces, check to see if they are part of the recall. Look through your pantries, refrigerators, and freezers for the walnuts included in the recall.
If you have walnuts and are not sure if they are part of the recall, the FDA says, “it’s safer not to eat them.” Dispose of the walnuts and clean any items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the suspected products. Use hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
In the event that you fall ill with E. coli, call your healthcare provider, especially if you have any severe symptoms.
What are the symptoms of E. coli poisoning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. Coli can cause dehydration, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and can be deadly, in the worst-case scenario.
The health agency advises that you should call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms. Diarrhea and a fever above 102ºF, diarrhea for more than 3 days and its is not improving, or bloody diarrhea. Likewise if you are vomiting so much that you cannot keep liquids down. Additionally, if you are showing signs of dehydration, which include not peeing much, a dry mouth and throat or feeling dizzy when standing up.
Symptoms typically begin three to four days after consuming an affected food, and can last about a week. For more information the CDC provides a frequently asked question page.