Montana Alert: Recall on Walnuts Sold at Whole Foods & Natural Food Stores

Attention all Montanans! There's an important recall alert you need to know about. According to the FDA, a California-based company is recalling walnuts sold at Whole Foods and other natural food stores in various states due to an E. coli outbreak. So far, it's affected 12 people and landed seven in the hospital.

Gibson Farms from Hollister is recalling Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts because they might be contaminated with E. coli. This strain can cause a nasty illness, especially with symptoms like bloody stools. While most people recover within a week, it can lead to severe complications, especially for kids and older folks.

Montana isn't spared from this. The FDA believes retail spots in 19 states might've received these walnuts. Even though reported cases are mostly from California and Washington, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The following states received the recalled walnuts: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

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If you've bought organic walnut halves or pieces from bulk bins at natural food or co-op stores recently, check the expiration dates. The affected batches have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025. If you've got them, don't eat them! And if you've handled them, wash your hands and any surfaces they touched thoroughly.

The investigation is ongoing, so stay tuned for updates. And if you've got any symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider ASAP. Let's keep each other safe and healthy!