The CDC issues a warning about a multi-state E. coli outbreak that has been linked to the consumption of walnuts.
Twelve individuals from two distinct states have fallen ill due to a specific type of bacteria, with seven requiring hospitalization. Two individuals have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a kind of kidney failure. Fortunately, no deaths have been linked to this outbreak.
A CDC investigation found that the majority of those who fell ill reported purchasing organic walnuts from the types of big bins commonly found at health food stores and cooperatives. These establishments are situated in California and Washington.
The US Food and Drug Administration traced the bacterially tainted walnuts back to Gibson Farms, an organic farm in Hollister, California certified in the state.
On Wednesday, the farm willingly recalled its Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts, as per the FDA's findings. The FDA has provided a list of locations where these walnuts may have been sold online.
While illnesses have only been reported in Washington and California thus far, the recalled products were also sold at stores across thirteen other states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming.
The walnuts bore expiration dates ranging from May 21, 2025, to June 7, 2025. Some stores may have repackaged the bulk walnut halves and pieces into plastic bags, the CDC noted.
To prevent any potential health hazards, stores that sold the walnuts have been asked to alert their customers. Additionally, if you believe you have bought these walnuts, it's crucial not to consume them and to discard them promptly. Additionally, ensure that you sanitize the surfaces they touched.
E. coli can cause varying levels of severity in people, with most recovering within a week. However, those with underlying health conditions may experience more severe symptoms - such as stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, as well as kidney failure. The elderly and children are considered particularly at risk. Symptoms usually appear three to four days after ingesting the bacteria. If you suspect you've been affected, promptly seek medical attention. [CDC link]
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Source: edition.cnn.com
