On October 7, 2022, Aldi voluntarily recalled Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Earth Grown Vegan Garlic & Herb Falafel in the U.S. because of potential E.Coli exposure if the food is undercooked. The CDC states an outbreak involving 20 people and five hospitalizations in six states may be linked to the frozen falafel.
This recall is in cooperation with Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC, and Aldi states it is “out of an abundance of caution.” The falafel was sold frozen as a limited-time special or Aldi Find, and it was also sold through Aldi’s partnership with the grocery delivery service Instacart. Aldi has removed the affected products from all stores.
Here’s more information about the recalled falafel:
- Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafels in a 12 oz. box with UPC code 4099100224337
- Earth Grown Vegan Garlic & Herb Falafels in a 12 oz. box with UPC code 4099100224344
The recalled boxes have the following lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, or 1812.
According to the FDA, the falafel was sold in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Most of the reported E. Coli. infections are in Michigan, with several also in Wisconsin, Florida, Kansas, Iowa, and Ohio.
The FDA states: “Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts elderly individuals, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.”
Any customers who have these products should discard them or return them to Aldi for a refund. For additional information, customers can call the supplier at 1-201-439-1036, Ext. 26.
You can view the entire recall press release from Aldi here.
