Officials in Arizona are working with federal and local partners to investigate four cases of E. coli infections that appear to be linked to eating soynut butter-containing products from “The SoyNut Butter Company.”
The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends consumers avoid eating “I.M. Healthy” brand soynut butter and soynut butter-containing products.
The ongoing investigation of at least four cases in Maricopa and Coconino counties is part of a larger multi-state investigation of 12 cases in five states.
In Arizona, all cases are children under the age of five.
E. coli infection ranges from mild to severe, with symptoms lasting about five to seven days in most people. Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, and abdominal pain. Young children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised are at risk of developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening illness that can cause kidney failure.
The I.M. Healthy soynut butter and soynut butter-containing products have been distributed to a range of stores in Arizona and also available for purchase online.
Because of their extended shelf life, consumers should check for these products and not eat these products until further notice.
The Arizona State Public Health Laboratory has confirmed all four Arizona cases with the outbreak strain of E. Coli.
All of the persons became ill on or after January 16, 2017, and reported eating soynut butter-containing products.
For more information about E. coli, please visit the ADHS website.
