Hazelnuts Linked to E.Coli Outbreak in Three States

Hazelnuts and mixed nuts sold at major grocers nationwide including Safeway, Sam's Club, Target, Albertsons, Trader Joe's and Ralphs are being recalled after being linked to seven cases of e.coli infection in three states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said.

DeFranco & Sons of Los Angeles, the supplier, issued the recall for nuts sold under a variety of brands including some under the Sunripe and George Packing brands.

Those sickened by the e.coli bacteria -- six men and a woman ranging in age from 15 to 78 -- were ill between Dec. 20, 2010 and Jan. 28, the agency said. One case was reported in Michigan and three cases were report in Minnesota and also Wisconsin -- three of the consumers had to be hospitalized. E. coli infections usually cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, but in more severe cases it can cause kidney failure.