If you're a fan of alternative nut butters, pay attention. A multi-state outbreak of the infamous 0157:H7 strain of E. coli has been reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and is now currently being investigated by the FDA, the CDC, in the states that the outbreak has occurred.

Investigations have indicated that I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter is the likely food containing the bacteria, as all of those who were infected and interviewed consumed the spread within the past week. Since E. coli O157:H7 has an incubation period of 2-8 days, it's likely to be the source of this outbreak.

So far, sixteen people from nine different states across the country have reported being infected with this nasty pathogen, and at least six have been hospitalized as a result. Eleven of the twelve infected are under eighteen years old.

E. coli o157:H7 is one of the most notorious food-borne pathogens out there. It produces a Shiga toxin that causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea that usually wear off after a week. In several cases when the symptoms last longer, it can result in a type of kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) that requires immediate medical care. A third of the infected in this outbreak have developed HUS so far.

Right now, the CDC is recommending that nobody eat the I.M. Healthy brand of SoyNut butter or its granola products, which are coated with the SoyNut butter. Schools and other institutions are being asked to not serve any of these products as well.

SoyNut Butter has also issued a voluntary recall of their products with specific "best by" dates between July and November of 2018. A family has sued the company, according to the Chicago Tribune, regarding the outbreak, which resulted in their son being hospitalized with HUS after ingesting some of the SoyNut Butter.

If you have a jar of this product, make sure to not eat it. It's probably best to dispose of it as well to prevent more E. coli-related diseases from occurring.