Gibson Farms Organic Walnut Recall Linked to a Dozen E. Coli Food Poisoning Incidents

Contaminated walnuts were sold in 15 different states, and may have been repackaged into clamshells and bags, making them harder to identify.

An E. Coli food poisoning outbreak that has sickened at least a dozen people nationwide has been traced back to recalled Gibson Farms Organic Walnuts, which may have been repackaged and sold by stores in multiple different states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an Organic Walnut recall on April 30, indicating that the nuts were sold in bulk boxes by distributors in California and Washington, but may have been redistributed more widely.

As a result, retailers that received the recalled walnuts are being urged to discard the contents, and sanitize any bulk bins before refilling them with different products. In addition, if retailers do not know the brand and lot code information for nut products are being told to hold the products, sanitize their bins and contact their suppliers immediately.

Walnut E. Coli Food Poisoning Outbreak

E. Coli food poisoning can lead to fever, dehydration, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, which typically emerge between 2 and 8 days after exposure. While most people recover within a week, some can develop more serious conditions like a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

To date, the CDC reports that there have been at least 12 people from California and Washington infected with the strain of E. Coli linked to the walnut recall, with at least 7 of those cases resulting in hospitalization and two cases leading to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, there have not been any deaths reported among consumers of the walnuts.

Gibson Farms Organic Walnut Recall

The recall affects Gibson Farms Organic Light Halves and Pieces walnuts sold in bulk containers weighing 25 lbs. each. They have lot numbers of 3325-043 & 3341-501 and expiration dates of 5/21/25 and 6/7/25.

The CDC warns that some stores may have repackaged the walnut halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags, which may require consumers to ask the store where they were purchased whether they sold the affected walnuts. The FDA has published a list of stores in 15 states that may have received the recalled walnuts.

The FDA and CDC advise consumers to check to see if they have purchased the affected walnuts. If they are not sure, it is safer not to eat them, the agencies warn.

If any surfaces or dishes came into contact with the walnuts they should be washed with hot soapy water or placed in the dishwasher. If a consumer is experiencing E. coli symptoms they should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Businesses are advised to also check and ensure that these products are no longer sold, discarded, and surfaces are sanitized.

Consumers with further questions can reach out to their state’s health departments, visit the E. coli Questions and Answers page or contact the company at Veronica Cheatham 831-637-3512 or email foodsafety@gibsonfarmsinc.com 8:30 am-4:40pm PST Monday through Friday