Twelve people in two states have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare but serious disease affecting the kidneys and blood clotting functions, and seven others have been hospitalized after consuming organic walnuts infected with E. coli.

The outbreak, originating from California-based Gibson’s Farm, Inc., is affecting organic bulk walnuts distributed to more than 300 stores across 19 states. A voluntary recall was first initiated on April 27 after state and local officials traced the E. coli outbreak back to Gibson Farms, Inc.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with Gibson’s Farm and its distributors to determine if there are additional store locations, products, or states affected.

Nearly all people who have reported illnesses purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores in Washington state or California, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What Is E. coli?

Most E. coli bacteria are harmless gut residents, but some strains can cause illness.

Symptoms of pathogenic E. coli infections include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These typically appear within nine days of consuming contaminated food and last 5-7 days.

However, bloody diarrhea or prolonged symptoms signal severe infection, which can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and neurological problems. People should seek medical attention for severe signs like bloody diarrhea or one that last more than three days, high fever, and excessive vomiting.

Status of the Recall

Retailers and distributors in the affected states have been notified about the contaminated product. They have been instructed not to sell the bulk organic walnuts with expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025, according to the FDA.

Consumers who have purchased organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk bins at listed stores should check their pantries, refrigerators, and freezers and dispose of any such products.

The FDA urges consumers not to eat any organic walnut halves or pieces and to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the walnuts.

Although illnesses have been reported only in California and Washington so far, the walnuts have also been distributed to retail stores in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. However, distribution could extend beyond these states.

Second E. coli Outbreak in US This Year

The organic walnut E. coli outbreak is the second to hit the U.S. in 2024. The first, which started in February, was linked to raw cheddar cheese.

That outbreak originated from Raw Farm and spread to five states. Eleven people got sick with E. coli and five were hospitalized.

No recall was initiated for the raw cheddar cheese outbreak, according to the FDA. The investigation into that outbreak closed on March 26.

There were no E. coli outbreaks in 2023, three in 2022, four in 2021, and four in 2020.