Local walnut farm tied to E. coli outbreak

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The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert regarding an E. coli outbreak linked to organic walnuts sold in bulk by Gibson Farms, Inc., of Hollister.

According to the April 30 alert, 12 people in two states have reported becoming ill in, including seven who were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. 

“Almost all sick people purchased organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores in California and Washington,” a separate CDC news release states. 

It adds that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that Gibson Farms based in Hollister, supplied the walnuts and the company has recalled the products. 

A news release provided by Gibson Farms President Mark Gibson to BenitoLink, states the company is fully cooperating with government agencies.Gibson told BenitoLink he could speak about the recall after the investigation is completed

“We are incredibly saddened by the impact of sickened individuals and their families caused by this outbreak linked to walnuts,” the statement states. 

It adds the company issued a recall of walnuts within 24 hours of being notified out of the concern for public safety. 

“We are a small family-owned business committed to producing safe food, much of it organic, for our customers,” the statement said. “Gibson Farms, Inc. produces a very small percentage of the California walnut supply and only a small portion of the walnuts distributed by our operation may be involved in this outbreak.”

According to the alert, the walnuts have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025. It adds that some stores may repackage bulk walnut halves and pieces into plastic clamshells or bags.

The FDA’s list of stores that may have received the walnuts is here. No stores in San Benito County are on the list. However, some stores in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties are listed.

According to the alert, shoppers who bought organic walnut halves and pieces from bulk containers should check whether they are part of the recall. 

“If you can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, it’s safer not to eat them,” the alert states.

It also says consumers should wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the walnuts, using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. They should call their health provider if they show the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting and the inability to keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as: urinating little; dry mouth and throat; feeling dizzy when standing up

The safety alert states symptoms usually start three to four days after ingesting the bacteria and that most people recover without treatment after five to seven days. Some people may develop serious kidney problems that require hospitalization. Two of the people hospitalized were for treated for kidney issues (hemolytic uremic syndrome).

The CDD has a Q&A section with additional information on E. coli. 

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