An E. coli outbreak linked to Earth Grown falafel ended this week with 24 illnesses and five hospitalizations, according to the FDA and the CDC. But the final reports from the agencies differ on a key point. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says one person died, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there were no fatalities.
From the FDA’s final report on the Earth Grown falafel E. coli outbreak.
From the CDC’s final report on the Earth Grown falafel E. coli outbreak.
Twenty illnesses had been confirmed when the CDC announced the outbreak on October 7, the same day Cuisine Innovations Unlimited of Lakewood, NJ issued a recall for two varieties of Earth Grown brand falafel. The recalled Traditional, and Garlic & Herb, falafel was sold only at ALDI stores.
Five of the initial 20 were hospitalized including one who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening form of kidney failure that is a complication of some E. coli infections. By December 1, when the CDC declared an end to the outbreak, four more illnesses were reported.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection, which include abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody, usually develop between one and three days of exposure to contaminated food. The patients in this outbreak, who range in age from 1 to 71 years old, developed symptoms on dates ranging from July 13, 2022, to October 24, 2022. Six states reported illnesses: Florida (2), Iowa (2), Kansas (1), Michigan (13), Ohio (1), and Wisconsin (5).
Experienced E. coli Lawyers
If you developed an E. coli infection from contaminated falafel and would like a free consultation with an experienced E. coli lawyer, please contact our E. coli Legal Team. We have represented clients in every major E. coli outbreak in the U.S. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.