REGION A multi-state food safety alert was issued Wednesday for an E. coli outbreak possibly linked to halves and pieces of organic walnuts sold in bulk bins at natural food stores and food co-ops in Southern California and elsewhere.

The Gibson Farms walnut pieces were distributed at stores in cities including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, San Diego, San Marcos and Vista, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The walnuts have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025.

So far, 12 people have reported possible E. coli illnesses and seven hospitalizations in California and Washington, the CDC said. Gibson Farms, based in Hollister, has initiated a product recall, the public health agency said.

The walnuts were sold in at least 19 western states.

The CDC said almost all the sick people reported purchasing the organic walnuts from bulk bins in food co-ops or natural food stores.

Local stores affected include:

A list of all affected stores is available at fda.gov/media/178182/download?attachment.

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Outbreak of E. coli linked to organic walnuts - Coast News