Investigation of E.coli O157:H7: Bulk Organic Walnuts

Investigation of E.coli – Recalled organic nut halves and pieces sold in bulk containers at co-op and health food stores in AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, LA, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA and WY. Some stores may repackage bulk nut halves and pieces in boxes or plastic bags.

Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Symptoms begin a few days after eating contaminated food or up to nine days later.

The severity or presence of certain symptoms may depend on the type of pathogenic E. coli that is causing the infection. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurological problems.

Retailers who have recalled products in bulk containers should discard the contents of the containers and take extra care to clean and disinfect them before refilling them.

Investigation of E.coli


Retailers who are unsure if they have received a recalled product may need to contact their supplier. If you cannot determine whether or not you received a recalled product, you should discard the contents of the containers & take extra care to clean and disinfect them before refilling them.Investigation of E.coli

Investigation of E.Coli

State and local public health officials have interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 10 people interviewed, all 10 (100%) reported eating nuts and almost all reported purchasing organic nuts in bulk containers at food cooperatives or health food stores.Investigation of E.coli

The FDA is working with the company and its distributors to determine the source of contamination, whether there are additional products or states affected, and the retailers that received recalled products. This notice will be updated as information becomes available.

Investigation of E.coli

The FDA traceback investigation identified Gibson Farms, Inc. as the common supplier of nuts in this outbreak. On April 27, 2024, Gibson Farms, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall and contacted its distributor customers. Distributors and retailers who may have received recalled bulk organic nuts should follow the recommendations above and contact their customers.Investigation of E.coli