Bulk organic walnuts were recalled at Whole Foods and other grocery stores after an E. Coli outbreak sickened 12 people in Washington and California.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E. coli induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with E. Coli after eating walnuts, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Walnuts Linked to E. Coli Outbreak
In April 2024, Gibson Farms recalled Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts after they were linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous strain that produces Shiga-toxin.
How Many People Got Sick?
At least 12 people were infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli, according to the FDA Outbreak Investigation. The illnesses were reported in California (6) and Washington (6).
No deaths were reported, but 7 people were hospitalized due to a severe illness. Illnesses were reported from February to April 2024.
Sick People Bought Walnuts From Bulk Bins
Of the 10 people who were interviewed, all 10 of them reported eating walnuts, and almost all of them said they bought organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Where Were The Walnuts Sold?
The recall involves organic walnut halves and pieces that were sold in bulk bins at natural food stores and co-ops. These walnuts were shipped to distributors between the dates of October 1, 2023 and April 24, 2024. The products have expiration dates of 5/21/25 and 6/7/25.
The walnuts were sold at over 300 grocery stores, including many Whole Foods, PCC, Rosauer’s Supermarkets, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Lazy Acres, New Seasons Market, and many others. Click here for a list of stores.
The stores were located in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
What is the Risk?
E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea (often bloody), severe stomach cramps, and vomiting, according to the FDA. Most adults recover completely within a week, but some people develop a life-threatening type of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.
What Should I Do?
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 (not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up)
Do I have a Walnut E. Coli Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E. coli induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with E. Coli after eating walnuts, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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