Walnuts sold in Arizona are being recalled due to E.coli. Here’s what you need to know

Shelby Slade, Arizona Republic
Updated ·2 min read

Walnuts sold in Arizona and across the United States have been linked to E. coli infections in California and Washington.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported that 12 people had been infected with E. coli bacteria and seven people were hospitalized due to the illness. However, the true number of people affected could be much higher.

Recalls can cause some concern among consumers, but don't worry. Here's the info about the recall, what to do and what symptoms of an E. coli infection.

If you bought walnuts recently and you are unsure if they're part of the recall, officials said it is safer to not eat the nuts.

Where were the walnuts distributed?

The walnuts were distributed beyond California and Washington to 17 other states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

The FDA is working to determine the source of contamination and whether other products, states and retailers are affected.

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Which walnuts are included in the recall?

If you bought organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk containers, see if yours might be part of the recall, the CDC recommends.

The walnuts were shipped to distributors between the dates of October 1, 2023, to April 24, 2024, the FDA says, so they could be in your freezer, refrigerator or pantry. The expiration dates are from May 21, 2025 to June 7, 2025. The walnuts' lot codes are 3325-043 and 3341-501.

You can ask the store where you purchased them if it had sold any recalled walnuts. You can also check the FDA's list of stores where walnuts were distributed.

Some stores may have repackaged bulk walnut halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags, officials said. If you can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, it’s safer not to eat them.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a type of bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most E. coli strains, which live in the environment, food and intestines of living things, are harmless. However, some strains are not.

"Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses," the Centers for Disease Control said on its website.

What are the symptoms of E. coli?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said symptoms of E. coli infections vary from person to person. These are symptoms to watch for:

  • Severe stomach cramps

  • Diarrhea (often bloody)

  • Vomiting

  • Fever

This infection is different for everyone. Most people begin feeling sick after three to four days, but it can begin one to 10 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Officials said most people who are infected get better within five to seven days.

USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2024 walnut recall: What to know about nuts tied to E. coli outbreak