Organic walnuts from Gibson Farms Inc. in Hollister, California have caused a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections that has affected at least twelve people, with seven individuals requiring hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities to investigate the outbreak. These walnuts were distributed in bulk bins to various natural food and co-op stores across more than a dozen states. However, it is possible that some stores repackaged the bulk walnuts into plastic clamshells or bags.
State and local health officials have interviewed around ten people who confirmed consuming walnuts before falling ill. Most of them reported purchasing organic walnuts from bulk bins at food co-ops or natural food stores. The FDA has a list of impacted stores, including specific Whole Foods Market locations, on its website. Whole Foods has not yet responded to requests for comment. Following the FDA’s traceback investigation, Gibson Farms Inc. issued a voluntary recall at the end of April and contacted its distributing customers.
As the FDA continues to work with Gibson Farms Inc. and its distributors to pinpoint the source of contamination, federal officials are determining whether other products or states have been affected. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.