E. coli outbreak linked to walnuts: Here’s what you need to know

Image: CDC website

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week issued a warning about an E. coli outbreak linked to organic walnuts.

Twelve people in California and Washington state have gotten sick with E. coli and seven had to be hospitalized. Two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a form of kidney failure.

What to know

• CDC has received reports of 12 people from two states who have been infected with this outbreak strain of E. coli.
• Seven people have been hospitalized and two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported.
• Almost all the people who got sick purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores in California and Washington.
• FDA determined that Gibson Farms, Inc. supplied these walnuts and Gibson Farms, Inc. has recalled these products.
• These walnuts have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025.
• Ask the store where you purchased if recalled walnuts were sold.
• Some stores may repackage bulk walnut halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags.
• FDA has a list of stores that may have received these walnuts.

What people should do:

• If you bought organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk containers, see if yours might be part of the recall.
• Check your pantries, refrigerators and freezers for walnuts. If you can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, it’s safer not to eat them.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the walnuts using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe E. coli symptoms.

E. coli symptoms:

• Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting.
• Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
• Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
• Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.
• For more information about E. coli, see the E. coli Q&A page.

A CDC food safety alert has been posted here.