Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan Depatments of Health and federal agencies are investigating cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection associated with eating in-shell hazelnuts (also known as filberts) purchased from bulk bins at retail food stores (stores not yet identified). Three cases have been identified in Minnesota, three in Wisconsin, and one in Michigan.
Routine monitoring by the health departments in the respective states identified E. coli O157:H7 cases with the same DNA fingerprint. The individuals became ill between December 20, 2010, and January 28, 2011. All of the cases have reported eating in-shell hazelnuts from grocery stores. Of these, six purchased them from bulk bins at these stores and the other case reported purchasing similar product in a repacked form. Four of the cases reported purchasing the hazelnuts as part of mixed nuts.
Agriculture agencies in the three states and the California Department of Public Health traced hazelnuts consumed by cases to a common distributor in California, DeFranco and Sons. This firm has recalled all hazelnut and mixed nut products distributed from November 2, 2010, to December 22, 2010. Recalled product was shipped to stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
For State Press Releases
www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2011/ecoli030411.html
www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/News/PressReleases/2011/030411.htm
For more informention on E. coli: