The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say 12 people in 5 states have become ill from E. coli.
All but one of the individuals is under the age of 18, and 6 of them have been hospitalized. 4 of the hospitalized patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome which is a type of kidney failure. It can be life-threatening, however most people recover within a few weeks.
I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter has been identified as the likely cause of the outbreak. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are working with state and local officials to further investigate the situation.
I.M. Healthy has therefore issued a voluntary recall of its Original Creamy SoyNut Butter with a freshness date of August 30 or 31, 2018.
The CDC said in statement:
“CDC recommends that consumers do not eat, and childcare centers, schools and other institutions do not serve, any I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter or I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter,”
The illnesses started between January 6 and February 15.
Symptoms of E. coli illness usually begin 2 to 8 days after consuming the bacteria. The symptoms of the illness include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people recover within seven days, although 5% to 10% of individuals diagnosed with this type of E. coli illness develop hemolytic uremic syndrome.
The following states reported cases: California, Maryland, New Jersey and Oregon.