E. coli outbreak linked to falafel sold at Aldi in 6 states

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – A recall has been issued for two falafel products linked to a multi-state E. coli outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

Two frozen, earth-grown falafel products sold exclusively at ALDI locations are currently under investigation by the CDC. Health officials say the same tribe is responsible for five hospitalizations and at least 20 illnesses.

The documented cases were in Kansas, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The full range of locations where these products were sold includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers are encouraged by the FDA not to eat, sell, or serve any earth-grown falafel or garlic and herb falafel recalled by ALDI after June 24, 2021. The recalled boxes have the following lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, or 18122.

These products are no longer for sale as they were removed from store shelves on October 6th. However, they were sold frozen and have a long shelf life of 18 months. If you find it in your freezer, throw it out or return it for a refund.

To learn more about the outbreak and the recall, click here.

It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if someone is part of the outbreak, according to the CDC, so the actual number of cases “is likely to be much higher than the number reported.”

E. coli can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Most people recover within five to seven days, but some cases can be serious or even life-threatening.

While most people feel sick three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, symptoms can appear one to 10 days later.