Both state and federal officials announced Friday that they are investigating a multi-state outbreak of E. coli related to Earth Grown frozen falafel sold by Aldi stores.
While no deaths have been reported, at least 20 people have been sickened by the E. coli O121:H19 infections in Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Five people required hospitalization, according to Food Safety News.
Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel, both sold exclusively by Aldi, have been recalled due to the possible presence of E. Coli, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Cuisine Innovations has ceased production and issued a recall of two Earth Grown Frozen Falafel varieties linked to the outbreak.
The FDA did not disclose how the product was contaminated in the recall announcement.
The affected products were distributed to 36 states and the District of Columbia after June 24, 2021, to ALDI retail stores.
The states that received the product are listed below:
Consumers who have purchased Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel or Garlic & Herb Falafel should inspect the outside flap of the box to see if they have the recalled product.
Below are the lot numbers of the affected product:
The FDA urges consumers who have purchased the affected product to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.