HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Health's Food and Drug Branch issued an alert Wednesday on behalf of Gibson Farms regarding a voluntary recall of California shelled walnuts, organic light halves and pieces, because of potential E. coli contamination.
These products are sold nationwide, including in Hawaii at natural food retailers:
- Abundant Life Natural (Hilo)
- Island Naturals Market (Hilo)
- Island Naturals Market (Kailua-Kona)
- Healthways II (Kamuela)
- Hoku Foods Natural Market (Kapaa)
- Keaau Natural Foods (Keaau)
- Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods (Kihei)
- Hoku Foods Natural Market (Koloa)
- Island Naturals Market (Pahoa)
The organic walnut halves and pieces are sold in bulk bins.
As of Wednesday, no one in Hawaii has reported adverse effects from the walnuts.
E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms can begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food up to nine days later.
While most healthy adults can recover from E. coli infection in a week, it's crucial to note that some infections can be severe. They can cause symptoms such as severe bloody diarrhea and may lead to life-threatening conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. E. coli may also result in high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or neurologic problems.
DOH urges anyone showing symptoms after consuming the recalled product to contact their health care provider.
Retailers and consumers who purchased recalled products may contact Veronica Cheatham of Gibson Farms at 1-831-637-3512 (5:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. HST, Monday through Friday) or by emailing foodsafety@gibsonfarmsinc.com.