Popular snack causes several illnesses, putting US officials on alert

Federal health officials are warning that organic walnuts sold in food co-ops and natural food stores across the U.S. could be at the center of the outbreak of a potentially deadly bacteria.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a widespread outbreak of infections caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli across the west coast, with infections reported in California and Washington. The infections have been linked to organic walnut halves and pieces sold by Gibson Farms, Inc. based in Hollister, California, according to the FDA.

These products were distributed in bulk bins across various natural food and co-op stores. The CDC has confirmed 12 cases.

READ MORE: Bird Flu symptoms as virus found in pasteurized milk after human case recorded

However, authorities suggested that the actual number of cases could be higher, and might extend beyond the two states. State and local health officials have interviewed ten individuals who fell ill, with most of them confirming recent consumption of organic walnuts purchased from bulk bins at relevant stores.

The walnuts are sold in 19 states:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming

Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.

The FDA said it is investigating the contamination source and assessing the potential impact on other products, states, and retailers. The CDC advises consumers who have purchased organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk containers to check whether their products are part of the recall.

The walnuts in question were distributed between October 1, 2023, and April 24, 2024, with expiration dates ranging from May 21, 2025, to June 7, 2025. The specific lot codes for the affected walnuts are 3325-043 and 3341-501.

Consumers are urged to contact the stores where they made their purchases to inquire about the recall status. Additionally, the FDA has provided a list of stores where the recalled walnuts were distributed. Some retailers may have repackaged the walnuts into plastic clamshells or bags.

For those unable to confirm whether their walnuts are part of the recall, health authorities recommend abstaining from consumption. It's also advised to thoroughly wash any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the walnuts using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Join the Mirror's SMS news service to get the biggest breaking stories delivered straight to your phone. Click here to subscribe.

What is E. coli?

E. coli bacteria, while often harmless, can cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested. Symptoms typically include stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and vomiting, lasting for about five to seven days. The elderly and immunocompromised are most at risk of serious symptoms.

The CDC stresses that proper hygiene, particularly handwashing, is crucial in preventing the spread of such infections, especially among food handlers. Animals, particularly cattle, can also contribute to the spread of E. coli to food and crops.