Falafel recall sparks deadly E. coli warning in 18 states

The recall of a carrot-infused version of a Middle Eastern street food has prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue an urgent warning to 18 states.

A recall notice from Fabalish, based in Carlstadt, New Jersey, was shared on the FDA’s website on Wednesday. The company warns consumers that it has recalled its Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites over concerns that the chickpea fritters may be contaminated with E. coli, a dangerous bacterium that causes sometimes fatal infections.

The product’s recall was initiated in response to a recall of organic whole carrots earlier this month by Grimmway Farms. The carrots included in the initial recall are believed to have killed one person in Los Angeles, while dozens of others have fallen ill across at least 18 states.

Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites was distributed to the following 18 states: Florida, New York, Washington, California, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, New Hampshire, Georgia, Virginia, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Kansas, Montana, Massachusetts and Texas.

The recalled product was packaged in orange 10-ounce boxes with Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites and the lot code 260925 on the side flap. Text on the front of the box says that the bites were “baked with fabulously whole veggies.”

“Consumers who have purchased the affected Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites are urged to discard in the trash and send a photo to orders@fabalish for a full refund,” Fabalish’s notice states. “Consumers with any questions may contact the company at (201) 942-2900 Monday to Friday 10AM to 3PM EST.”

Newsweek reached out via email to Fabalish for comment on Wednesday.

A large majority of E. coli infections are unpleasant but not deadly, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms often include severe stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea that is sometimes bloody. Mild fevers can also develop, usually under 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, some infections can be life-threatening. While most people recover within seven days, between 5 and 10 percent of those infected with E. coli develop a dangerous complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Elderly adults and children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable.

HUS usually develops about seven days after the first symptoms, while most are recovering from the illness. Symptoms include decreased urination, lethargy and loss of color in the cheeks and lower eyelids. Those who develop HUS need to be hospitalized because the syndrome can cause damage to kidneys that may lead to kidney failure and death.

No illnesses linked to the Fabalish recall had been reported as of Wednesday. The first illness tied to the Grimmway Farms organic carrot recall was reported to the CDC on September 6, with additional reports of illnesses being added since then. At least 15 people who ate the carrots developed HUS.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” a page on the CDC’s website says. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.

“In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” the CDC page adds.