E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Walnuts Sold At Westside Stores: FDA

CULVER CITY, CA — Twelve people have been sickened, with seven hospitalized, in connection to an E. coli outbreak believed to be connected to bulk walnuts sold across the country, including at stores in Culver City and Brentwood, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

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

The illnesses were in California and Washington and the last onset was April 4. The nuts were sold in bulk bins at natural food and co-op stores, including at Co-opportunity Market in Culver City and Frog Hollow Farm in Brentwood, according to the FDA.

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 the FDA's website.

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.