Fabalish Recalls Falafel Products Over E. Coli Risk

The side of a box of the recalled Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites, in an undated photo. Courtesy of the FDA

New Jersey-based Fabalish Inc. has recalled its “Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites” due to concerns about possible E. coli contamination, which could lead to serious health complications.

The product is being withdrawn from sale after California-based Grimmway Farms recalled organic whole carrots due to similar concerns about contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19. Fabalish’s recalled falafel products use Grimmway’s carrots as one of their ingredients.

The recalled falafel product is sold in a 10 oz. orange box with the lot code 260925 printed on the side flap, according to a company announcement published on Nov. 20 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The product was distributed in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. It was also sold directly to consumers via the company’s website.

“E. coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system,” the recall notice states. “Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.”

The average incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans is between three and four days, though it can extend up to 10 days. The recall notice stated that, so far, there have been no reports of illnesses linked to the falafel product.

People who bought the products are advised to discard them and contact the company for a refund. Those who have queries can contact Fabalish at [phone].

The Grimmway recall came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that multiple brands of organic whole-bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by the company could be linked to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections.

So far, there have been 39 infections, 15 hospitalizations, and one death across 18 states in the outbreak linked to organic carrots.

Grimmway said that none of the recalled carrots have so far tested positive for the bacteria.

Another company that has withdrawn its products owing to the Grimmway recall is California-based F&S Fresh Foods, which recalled Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Sticks and Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrots & Celery.

The items were sold at Whole Foods Market outlets in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada. The products are “likely no longer in stores for sale” but may still be in your home, the CDC said.

The CDC advises people to contact their doctor if they experience diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, signs of dehydration, or blood in their urine or stool.

“If you have diarrhea or vomiting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can happen quickly in young children. Give children with diarrhea or vomiting extra fluids, such as Pedialyte or oral rehydration salts. Do not wait,” the CDC said.