Bulk Organic Walnuts Recalled Due to E. Coli Outbreak

Gibson Farms, a California-based company, has initiated a voluntary recall after being informed that its organic walnut halves and pieces may be contaminated with E. coli. Its customers include organic food retailers in 19 states that sell the organic walnuts in bulk bins.

According to the FDA’s official notice released on Tuesday, April 30, the E. coli outbreak has afflicted 12 people so far. Retailers who have these products with lot codes 3325-043 and 3341-501 are urged to take the product off their shelves and inform consumers of the recall.

Consumers, meanwhile, are urged to throw away their purchased product and to clean and sanitize all surfaces that the product came in contact with to avoid potential E. coli infections. Affected consumers are in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

The FDA has also confirmed that 12 consumers have been infected with E. coli in California and Wyoming. No deaths have yet been reported by the federal agency, though seven have been hospitalized.

The FDA has released a full list of merchants affected by the recall and is currently investigating to determine the source of the E. coli outbreak.

One such merchant is Whole Foods, which received the recalled walnuts in 10 of its stores across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas and used them as an ingredient in a salad offered on salad bars in these locations. The salad item has since been removed from the salad bars, and the recalled walnuts have been destroyed, according to a Whole Foods Market spokesperson. None of the bulk walnuts sold from bulk bins in any Whole Foods stores were part of the recall.

E. coli is a naturally occurring gut bacteria that is mostly harmless, but certain strains (including O157:H7) can cause watery stools, a high fever, and vomiting, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In extreme cases, E. coli infection can cause death, especially among elderly and/or immunocompromised populations.

Consumers who purchased the potentially affected walnuts are urged to contact their primary care provider if they experience any of these symptoms or suspect the virus has infected them.