E. Coli Outbreak Prompts CA Nut Recall

HOLLISTER, CA — Twelve people have fallen ill, with seven hospitalized, in connection with an E. coli outbreak believed to be connected to bulk walnuts from a California company, according to authorities.

Gibson Farms Inc. of Hollister has recalled its organic light halves and pieces of walnuts, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced Tuesday. An investigation is underway to determine the potential source of the contamination.

The illnesses were in California and Washington and the last onset was April 4, the agency said. The nuts were sold in bulk bins at natural food and co-op stores in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Some of the nuts may have been repackaged in plastic containers or bags, according to the administration.

The nuts were sold in bulk boxes weighing 25 pounds with lot numbers 3325-043 and 3341-501. They were shipped to distributors between Oct. 1, 2023, and April 24, 2024, and have expiration dates of May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025.

Anyone with the nuts in their home should throw them away and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched, the agency said. Retailers should discard them and clean and sanitize the bins before refilling — steps that should also be taken if stores are unable to determine if they have or had the nuts.

To view a full list of retailers where the nuts were sold, visit www.fda.gov/media/178182/download?attachment.

E. coli often causes bloody diarrhea but most healthy adults recover within a week, according to the administration. Some people, particularly young children and the elderly, can develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which can lead to serious kidney damage and death.

Consumers with questions can call Gibson Farms at 831-637-3512 or email foodsafety@gibsonfarmsinc.com.