As of March 30, a total of 29 illnesses have been linked to a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, according to the FDA. The CDC, FDA and several states began investigating the outbreak in early March, when 12 cases had been reported.
The agencies believe that the source of the E. coli outbreak is the I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter products by The SoyNut Butter Company. The company recalled all lots of I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter and I.M. Healthy Granola on March 7, and expanded the recall a few days later to include Dixie Diner's Club brand Carb Not Beanit Butter.
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On March 28, the FDA issued a Suspension of Food Facility Registration Order to Dixie Dew Products, the contract manufacturer for SoyNut Butter Company's soy nut butter products. The FDA's investigation led to the issue of the order, as it identified unsanitary conditions at Dixie Dew's facility "that could lead to contamination with E. coli in finished products."
The 29 cases linked to the outbreak have been reported in the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Typically, those infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli recover within one week, but in some cases the infection can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.