The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Tuesday about an E. coli outbreak linked to organic nuts sold in bulk that has so far infected 12 people in California and Washington state.
Seven people were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous kidney disease, the CDC said. There were no deaths reported.
Nearly all of the infected people purchased bulk nuts that were originally supplied by Gibson Farms, Inc, which has since recalled the products.
The nuts have been sold in 19 states, although only two have so far reported infected cases. They were sold in bulk boxes at food co-ops or natural food stores like Whole Foods and Market of Choice. The recalled nuts have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025, the CDC said.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a list of stores who may have received the nuts.
The CDC is advising consumers to ask their stores whether recalled nuts were sold there, saying some stores may repackage the product in clamshells or plastic bags. Businesses should check whether they received organic nut halves and pieces with specified lot codes from Gibson Farms, Inc. and should not serve them, the CDC said.
The CDC also advises consumers and businesses to discard the contents and to “exercise extra care” when washing items and surfaces that may have touched the nuts.
Symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. They usually develop three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, the CDC said. Although some people recover without treatment after five to seven days, others may develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization.
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