E. COLI CASES LINKED TO ORGANIC WALNUTS

East County News Service

May 4, 2024 (San Diego) – A dozen people have become ill, including seven who were hospitalized, with E. coli infections linked to Gibson Farms organic walnut halves and pieces. The walnuts, which have been recalled, were sold in bulk bins at natural food stores and coops, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, though some of the walnuts may have been packaged in bags or clamshell packaging.

The walnuts were distributed in many states, but the illnesses to date occurred in California and Washington. 

Consumers are advised to discard the recalled walnuts or return them to the store.  If you’re not sure if the walnuts were recalled, do not eat them.

The walnuts have lot codes 3325-043 and 3341-501 and expiration dates between May 21, 2025 and June 1, 2025.

FDA has a list of stores that may have received these walnuts.

The walnuts were delivered to these stores in San Diego County, Fox 5 reports, and all say they have now removed the recalled walnuts from their stores:

• Frazier Farms Market in La Mesa and Vista     
• Lazy Acres Market in San Diego and Carlsbad 
• Ocean Beach Co-Op 
• Sun Organic Farm in San Marcos  
• Jimbos Naturally in San Diego (4S Ranch and Carmel Valley), Carlsbad and Escondido 

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

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe E. coli symptoms: 

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as: 
  

  • Not urinating much

  • Dry mouth and throat

  • Feeling dizzy when standing up

Symptoms of E. coli

• Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. 
• Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
• Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
• Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.

For more information about E. coli, see the E. coli Questions and Answers page.

What Businesses Should Do

• Check to see if you received Gibson Farms, Inc. organic walnut halves and pieces with lot codes listed above. Do not sell or serve them.
• Discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling.
• Wash and sanitize containers including bulk bins, surfaces, and other items that may have come in contact with recalled walnuts.
• When possible, contact customers or place signs at locations where the walnuts were sold to help notify consumers.