Nuts recalled in Whole Foods after E. Coli

The outbreak linked to shelled organic nuts distributed by Gibson Farms has sickened 12 people and hospitalized seven in California and Washington state, federal officials said.

California company recalls organic nuts sold in health food stores and cooperative retailers in 19 states due to outbreak 'E. coli that sickened 12 people and hospitalized seven people, federal officials said. .

Gibson Farms, the Hollister, Calif.-based company, is voluntarily recalling its shelled walnuts under the brand Organic Light Halves and Pieces after discovering that the nuts may carry the E. Strain .coli 0157: H7 which “causes diarrheal illness often accompanied by bloody stools,” the Food and Drug Administration said in an advisory Tuesday.

The recall came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified the company of 12 recorded illnesses linked to nuts. They were distributed to more than 300 food retailers, including Whole Foods Market, New Seasons Market and Rosauers Supermarkets, the F.D.A. said.

An investigation is underway to determine the potential source of the contamination, the F.D.A. said. said. The company did not immediately respond to inquiries Wednesday.

E. Coli symptoms can vary from person to person and may include cramps, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal upset. Other common symptoms include vomiting and fever. People begin to experience symptoms three to four days after ingesting foods or drinks containing E. coli bacteria, according to the C.D.C.

A spokesperson for Whole Foods said the recalled nuts have been shipped. in 10 of their Whole Foods Market stores in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas and used only as an ingredient in a salad offered in those stores' salad bars. The salad was removed from salad bars and the recalled nuts were immediately destroyed, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for New Seasons Market said that the grocery chain "quickly removed the affected product" from its shelves, adding that it also "placed signage in relevant sections to alert consumers who may have purchased it."

This particular strain of E. coli is associated with a toxin called Shiga that can cause bloody diarrhea and "for a small number of people, can cause serious illness," Dr. Richard Ellison, an epidemiologist at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., said Wednesday . /p>

Although most healthy adults recover completely within a week, some people may develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is more susceptible occur in young children and older people. adults, the F.D.A. said in his opinion.

Dr. Ellison said about 90 percent of people will get better on their own without needing antibiotics, and about 10 percent will develop an illness that can cause anemia and kidney damage.

"In general, we recommend providing supportive care and keeping people well hydrated," he added.

Consumers who experience symptoms should contact their health care providers for care, the F.D.A. said.

So far, people who have fallen sick during the outbreak were in California and Washington State. No deaths were reported.

Light organic halves and pieces were sold. in 25-pound bulk bins, according to the F.D.A. The expiration dates for the affected product are between May 21, 2025 and June 7, 2025, the agency said.

A list of stores where the nuts were sold can be found on the F.D.A. website.

Consumers who purchased the nuts in bulk. .