Health officials in Washington and California are sounding the alarm on organic walnut halves and pieces, linking them to an outbreak of E. coli infections, with a dozen cases confirmed across the two states. A public health alert issued by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the FDA and CDC, strongly advises consumers to avoid eating the potentially contaminated walnuts sold in bulk at numerous stores.
The warning follows reports that at least 12 individuals in Washington and California have fallen ill after consuming the affected nuts, and six of these cases emerged in Washington. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities associated with the outbreak. Locals are encouraged to check their pantries and ditch any bulk organic walnuts they might have purchased, especially if there's any doubt regarding their origin or safety. The DOH has provided a list of retailers on their Food Recalls and Alerts website to help consumers identify potentially tainted products.
As an added precaution, consumers should ask the store where they bought their walnuts if the product was part of the recall. It is recommended that all recalled walnuts be thrown away, including those stored in refrigerators or freezers. If your walnuts are unlabeled and their source is unclear, err on the side of caution and dispose of them as well.
Beyond disposing of the nuts, health authorities urge the public to cleanse any containers and surfaces that might have been in contact with the recalled walnuts. They emphasize that such actions are crucial to preventing the spread of the E. coli bacteria, known to trigger severe and sometimes deadly symptoms, like bloody diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, and vomiting. Although symptoms typically subside within a week, the disease poses a significant risk to children under five who might experience a more severe illness.
While the investigation into the source of the E. coli contamination is ongoing, the DOH reminds people to review their comprehensive Food Safety Tips to keep themselves and others safe from foodborne illnesses.
