The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning people not to eat I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter products. CDC, multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) infections. Evidence available at this time indicates that I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter is likely the source of this outbreak.
- Twelve cases have been reported in five states - OR, CA, AZ, NJ and MD
- Eleven of the 12 are children.
- Six people have been hospitalized.
- Four people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.
- No deaths have been reported.
The CDC first reported the outbreak yesterday. They will provide updates as more information becomes available.
- Do not eat any variety or size of I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter or I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter.
- Even if some of the SoyNut Butter or granola was eaten or served and no one got sick, throw the rest of the product away. Put it in a sealed bag in the trash so that children, pets, or other animals can't eat it.
- Check your pantry for SoyNut Butter products. These products have a shelf life of 2 years.
- Contact your health care provider if you think you or your child may have gotten sick from eating I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter or granola coated with SoyNut Butter.*
- Childcare centers, schools and other institutions should take the same steps as above.
- Retailers should not serve or sell any variety or size of I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter or I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter.
* Most people infected with STEC develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps an average of 3-4 days after swallowing the germ. More information about signs and symptoms of STEC infection is available on the CDC's Signs & Symptoms page.
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