Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Recalled Walnuts

Here’s what you need to know.

Check your pantries!

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning Tuesday about a multistate E. coli outbreak connected to organic walnuts.

The walnuts were supplied by Gibson Farms, Inc and were shipped to co-ops and natural food stores like Whole Foods in 17 states including Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The products have since been recalled.

Gibson Farms, Inc. organic walnut halves and pieces were sold in bulk bins and plastic clamshells or bags with expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s list of retailers where the affected walnuts were sold is available here.

CDC has received reports of 12 people from two states who have been infected with this strain of E. coli and seven people have been hospitalized. Two people have developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Fortunately no deaths have been reported.

E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps two to eight days after exposure. While most people recover within a week, five to 10 percent develop HUS. This condition is most likely to occur in children under five and in older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased frequency of urination. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

FDA is currently working with Gibson Farms, Inc. and its distributors to determine whether additional store locations, products, or states are affected.

If you have the recalled walnuts in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.