Some Redding, Siskiyou groceries pull walnuts from store shelves after E. coli outbreak

Jessica Skropanic, Redding Record Searchlight
·3 min read
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Walnuts sold in bulk at California and Washington food co-ops and grocery stores may have been tainted with E. coli, according to federal health officials.

Twelve people reported they were ill after eating Gibson Farms Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts, most purchased at stores in California and Washington. Seven of the 12 people were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, "a severe complication" of E. coli, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The 12 cases spurred a voluntary recall of the product from store shelves in 19 states, including stores in the North State, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.

"Almost all sick people purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores in California and Washington," the CDC said.

Gibson Farms in Hollister, California voluntarily recalled its Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts from store shelves on Tuesday April 30, 2024, after 12 people in California and Washington reported they were ill, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Gibson Farms in Hollister, California voluntarily recalled its Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts from store shelves on Tuesday April 30, 2024, after 12 people in California and Washington reported they were ill, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Gibson Farms, Inc. ― located in Hollister, California, 46 miles southeast of San Jose ― is voluntarily recalling the bulk walnuts from distributors and retailers. Products that may be tainted have expiration dates from May 21 to June 7, 2025, the FDA said.

Grocery stores in towns in Shasta, Siskiyou, Butte, Plumas and Humboldt counties are on the list of business that received shipments of the bulk walnuts from Gibson Farms. These include:

Orchard Nutrition at 221 Locust St. in Redding

Although none of their products had a lot code listed among the recalled items, staff at Orchard Nutrition pulled Gibson bulk walnuts from store shelves on Monday April 30, Orchard Nutrition Grocery Manager Billy Howell said.

Customers can call the store at 530-244-9600.

Chico Natural Foods Cooperative at 818 Main St. in Chico

Staff pulled the walnuts on Tuesday, and "are sanitizing containers" that held the bulk product. They're also posting signs to make sure customers know about the recall, said Ali DeAnda at Chico Natural Foods Cooperative.

"The co-op inventory didn't include the lot codes affected, but we're following all the CDC protocols and guidelines," DeAnda said.

Customers can call 530-891-1713.

Berryvale Grocery at 305 S. Mount Shasta Blvd. in Mount Shasta

Customers can call 530-926-1576.

The FDA's list of distributors and retails also included stores in Quincy, Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville and Davis; and those in other parts of California, Oregon, Washington and 16 other states. For a full list of stores go to fda.gov/media/178182.

Federal agencies didn't report in which towns the 12 people with E. coli live, or from which stores they bought the walnuts.

No one who became ill from the walnuts died from the infection as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the FDA.

There may be more cases and other states may be affected, the FDA and CDC cautioned. Both agencies and state and county public health branches are still investigating the outbreak.

People can be exposed to E. coli through contaminated food or water, especially through under-cooked ground beef and raw vegetables, according to the Mayo Clinic.

While some strains are harmless, people infected with illness-producing strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria may experience symptoms such as vomiting, severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Children and the elderly are at greater risk of developing life-threatening symptoms, including kidney failure, the Mayo Clinic reported.

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What to do if you think you bought tainted walnuts

The CDC recommends people take these steps:

  • If you bought organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk containers, contact the store or otherwise find out if your walnuts are part of the recall.

  • Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer for walnuts.

  • If you can’t tell if your walnuts are part of the recall, don't eat them.

  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the walnuts using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

  • Get medical help if you have any severe E. coli symptoms.

Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: California stores pull Gibson Farms walnuts after 12 E. coli cases