Organic walnuts E. Coli alert: 7 hospitalized by recalled bulk nuts that may have been sold in over 300 stores

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings about organic bulk walnuts that may be contaminated with E. Coli. The walnuts were distributed to stores in at least 19 states and have so far hospitalized seven people, two of whom have developed serious kidney conditions. Here’s what you need to know.



Which walnuts are impacted?



The FDA says that the organic walnuts that have the potential to be contaminated with E. coli are “Organic Light Halves and Pieces Shelled Walnuts” produced by Gibson Farms, which has now voluntarily recalled the products.



These walnuts were sold in bulk bins and have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025. The CDC says that some stores may have also repackaged the contaminated walnuts and sold them in bags or plastic clamshells.



Where were the contaminated walnuts sold?



According to the CDC, the walnuts were distributed to stores in at least 19 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.



Most of the walnuts appear to have been sold from food co-ops, health food stores, and other grocers, including some Whole Foods Markets locations.



The FDA has a list of over 300 stores that may have sold the contaminated walnuts. You can find the full list here .



Has anyone gotten sick from the recalled walnuts?



Unfortunately, yes. The CDC says that there have been 12 reported illnesses linked to the recalled walnuts. Seven cases have required hospitalizations.



While there have been no reported deaths so far, unfortunately, two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition.



So far all reports of illnesses have come from people who purchased the walnuts from stores in California and Washington.



What is E. Coli?



It’s a bacteria that can make people ill, sometimes severely so. The CDC says the most common symptoms of an E. Coli infection are severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, and vomiting. These symptoms usually present three to four days after ingesting the bacteria.



The good news is most people can recover from the infection without treatment after five to seven days. Unfortunately, however, for some, an E. Coli infection can cause serious health issues that require hospitalization.



What do I do if I purchased the contaminated walnuts?



Do not eat them. The CDC says you should also wash all other items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the walnuts with a dishwasher or hot soapy water. If you have walnuts in your home and you can’t identify if they are the recalled walnuts, it is best not to eat them, the CDC adds.



Finally, if you do experience severe E. Coli symptoms, the CDC says you should contact your healthcare provider.