Organic walnut E. Coli outbreak sickens 12 people

Gibson Farms, a specialty nut grower based in Hollister, California, has recalled organic walnuts that may be contaminated with E. coli.

The organic walnuts were typically sold in the bulk bins of Whole Foods and other health food markets and co-ops, but some stores may have repackaged the walnuts in plastic clamshell containers.

The walnuts were paired with a E.coli outbreak, which infected at least twelve people in California and Washington between February and April 2024.

Seven people have been hospitalized due to serious illness, according to the CDC Outbreak Investigation. Ten sick people interviewed said they bought organic walnuts from bulk containers at food cooperatives or health food stores.

The recall affects organic walnut halves and pieces shipped to stores in 29 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 walnuts were sold in more than 300 stores, including Whole Foods, PCC, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Lazy Acres, Rosauer’s Supermarkets and many other neighborhood markets.

The 25-lb. boxes were labeled: “Gibson’s Organically Grown Light Halves and Pieces California Shelled Walnuts,” with lot number 3325-043 or 3341-501 and expiration dates of 5/21/25 or 6/25/2015.

Anyone who has eaten the walnuts should contact a healthcare provider if he or she develops symptoms of a serious illness, such as bloody diarrhea that lasts more than three days, fever greater than 102°F, vomiting so much that you cannot swallow the fluids or signs of dehydration.

Source: Gibson Farms is voluntarily recalling organic light halves and shelled walnut pieces due to possible health risk

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