I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter recall for E.coli

I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter product recall
Photo courtesy cdc.gov

From Public Health Seattle and King County

A King County child is currently hospitalized with an E.coli infection that is part of a national outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7 linked to I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter.

As of March 7, the I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter is believed to have made 16 people in nine states ill, including one confirmed case in a King County child whose parents reported the child ate this brand of soy nut butter. 

Fourteen of the 16 ill people in this outbreak are younger than 18 years old.

On March 7, 2017, the SoyNut Butter Company recalled all varieties of I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butters and all varieties of I.M. Healthy Granola products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people 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 consumers ate this product and did not get sick, the remaining product should be thrown away. CDC recommends wrapping the product in a sealed bag before putting it in the trash so that children and pets can’t eat it.

Symptoms of STEC infections

Symptoms of STEC infections vary for each person but include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea (often bloody). Most people get better within a week. Some illnesses can be more severe, resulting in a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in young children under 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of HUS can include fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, and decreased urination. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

Learn more about the outbreak and CDC advice on CDC’s website.