U.S. health officials are warning Americans about recalled walnuts sold in Colorado and possibly linked to a nationwide bacteria outbreak.
Gibson Farms recalled two lots of Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts after learning the products may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on Tuesday (April 30). The recall affects lot codes 3325-043 and 3341-501 with expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the walnuts were sold in bulk bins and distributed to natural food and co-op stores in these states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
The FDA also provided a list of where the tainted walnuts were sold.
Twelve people have fallen ill in connection to the outbreak, and seven were hospitalized as of Wednesday (May 1), according to the CDC.
"Almost all sick people purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores in California and Washington," the agency noted.
Severe symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps, normal or bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. While most people recover within a week, some people are at risk of developing a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Officials said young children and elderly individuals are at higher risk of contracting this condition. Serious kidney damage and even death are possible.
Officials urge anyone who purchased the walnuts to throw them away and thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers the product came into contact with.
There's an active investigation to determine the potential source of the E. coli contamination.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Gibson Farms at 831-637-3512 or email foodsafety@gibsonfarmsinc.com. They're available 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.