Throw Away Those ALDI Falafels, Says FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled Earth Grown brand falafels that were distributed throughout the United States due to their potential to contain E. coli that produces Shiga toxin. The bacteria can cause illness when eaten, and symptoms include stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. The elderly, children and those with weak immune systems are most affected. Here’s what you need to know.
Which falafels are being recalled?
The recalled falafels from Earth Grown were sold exclusively in ALDI supermarkets. Specifically, two potentially contaminated variants of falafel are called “Traditional Earth-Growed Vegan Falafel” and “Garlic-Herb Vegan Earth-Growed Falafel”.
The following are the states where ALDI sold falafel:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Columbia area
- 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
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
The falafels were sent to stores after June 24, 2021. If the plastic bag inside the carton or on the outer flap of the carton has the following lot numbers, then it is recalled: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752 , 1762, 1782, 1802 and 1812
What to do if you bought one of the recalled ALDI falafels
If you have any of the above falafels, the FDA recommends returning them to the supermarket for a full refund. Do not eat or distribute them. If you have additional questions, please contact Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC, a falafel company, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm EST at 1-201-439-1036, ext. 26.