Organic Walnuts Sold in Bulk Bins Recalled Due to Risk of E. Coli
Walnut halves and pieces were sold at hundreds of stores, including select Whole Foods and Natural Grocer stores. A dozen people have been sickened so far.
A dozen people have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to organic walnut halves and pieces sold in bulk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The company that produced the nuts, Gibson Farms, issued a recall.
The recalled nuts were sold in co-op and natural food stores, including major chains such as select Natural Grocer and Whole Foods in 18 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The Food and Drug Administration posted a list of stores. (The list, the FDA says, is not comprehensive.) Some retailers may repackage bulk walnut halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags, according to the agency.
The strain of E. coli, O157:H7, usually causes diarrhea (sometimes severe) but in some cases can cause kidney damage and death.
Gibson Farms did not immediately respond to CR’s questions about how the walnuts became contaminated with E. coli. The company said in its announcement that an investigation is ongoing.
Risks of E. Coli
About 256,000 people are sickened with E. coli each year, and about 3,600 are hospitalized, according to the CDC. For most people, E. coli symptoms of diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, and vomiting occur up to nine days after exposure and resolve in about a week. See a doctor if symptoms do not resolve or are severe—for example, if you can’t keep water down or have a high fever.
The biggest concern is that the infection can cause a form of kidney failure that may be fatal. The people most susceptible to serious infection include children younger than 5, adults over age 65, and those with weakened immune systems due to having HIV or diabetes, or undergoing cancer treatments.
Consumers with questions about the recall can email Gibson Farms at foodsafety@gibsonfarmsinc.com or call 831-637-3512 between 11:30 a.m. and 7:40 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
