By Miyeilis Flores
May 1, 2024, 11:47 AM EDT
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation to determine the contamination of nuts with Ecoli, which are being withdrawn from the market.
These are shelled nuts linked to an outbreak of E. coli infections, distributed by the company Gibson Farms Inc. in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska , New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
As reported by the agency, the company has recalled organic light halves and pieces of shelled nuts from the market.
The product subject to recall was sold in bulk cases in 25-pound quantities with lot codes: 3325-043 and 3341-501. It also specifies that the expiration is between 5/21/25 and 6/7/25.
To date, 12 confirmed patients have been reported in the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections, of which 7 have been hospitalized, while 2 of them have acute kidney failure.
The FDA interviewed 10 of the patients, and all agreed that they consumed nuts before they became ill.
For consumers who have recalled nuts on hand, it is important to verify which company distributed them, they should throw them away or return them to the establishment where they were purchased.
Investigations by the FDA are moving forward to determine the possible source of contamination and which specific stores received the nuts, since there is a possibility that they may have been repackaging the halves and pieces of bulk nuts in boxes or plastic bags.
Prevention measures to avoid E.coli contamination
To prevent E.coli infection among consumers, Gibson Farms asked retailers to hold and discontinue product in stock from lot 3325-043 and lot 3341-501.
Additionally, they request that you return any remaining inventory of the recalled products to their warehouse at 1190 Buena Vista Road, Hollister, CA, 95023.
While for retailers who received shelled nuts from a distributor, but do not know the brand information or lot code, they should save the product, disinfect the containers and contact their supplier.
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