Gibson Farms has initiated a recall for its Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli). E. coli infections from contaminated food can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, illnesses in at-risk populations.
Background
Gibson Farms issued the recall after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 12 E. coli infections from two states that are potentially connected to consumption of the affected product. An investigation has been launched to determine the source of the contamination.
The announcement from Gibson Farms states that the affected product was sold to distributors in California and Washington. However, a food safety alert from the CDC states that the affected product was also distributed in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The CDC alert includes a list of natural food and co-op stores here that may or may not have received the contaminated walnuts.
Product Details
- Product Description: Organic walnuts halves and pieces, sold in bulk containers in-store
- Packaging: Bulk cardboard boxes
- Size: Net Wt. 25 lbs
- Lot Codes: 3325-043 and 3341-501
- Expiration Dates: May 21, 2025 and June 7, 2025
Consumer Action
Neither the CDC nor Gibson Farms has said when the products were distributed to retailers. Consumers who bought walnuts from bulk containers are strongly advised to check the list of stores that may have received the affected product. The CDC notes that retailers may have repackaged the contaminated walnuts into plastic bags or other containers. Consumers in doubt should contact the place of purchase to determine if the product was part of the recall.
Consumers with the affected product, or those who can’t tell if their purchase is part of the recall, should not consume the walnuts and should dispose of them immediately.
Retailer Action
Retailers are requested to remove any affected product from shelves and return any remaining inventory to Gibson Farms’ warehouse in Hollister, California. Anyone who has further distributed or sold the contaminated walnuts to other parties are asked to notify their customers of the recall.
Retailers with the affected product in bulk bins are asked to dispose of any remaining contents and then thoroughly sanitize the bins before refilling. Retailers with the affected product who can’t identify the specific brand or lot codes are recommended to remove the products from sale, thoroughly sanitize the bins, and contact their distributor.
Health Risks
So far, twelve people across California and Washington states have fallen ill. Of those, seven have been hospitalized. Fortunately no severe illnesses or deaths have been reported yet.
E. coli is a bacterium with the potential to be fatal, inducing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue from dehydration that appear three to four days after the initial infection, though in some cases, symptoms don’t appear for over a week.
Although unpleasant, most symptoms subside within a week. In extreme cases, individuals experience hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a deadly complication that shuts down the kidneys and other vital organs. Symptoms of HUS include less frequent urination, loss of color in the cheeks and inner eyelids, and extreme fatigue. Anyone showing one or more of these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Consumers should stay informed about food recalls and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Any consumer who has purchased the recalled walnuts should throw them away immediately.”
