Falafel sold at Aldi recalled after E. coli outbreak sends 5 to hospital

A brand of frozen falafel sold at discount grocery chain Aldi was yanked from the freezer aisle last week after five people were hospitalized and more than a dozen others in six states reported becoming ill.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb sold exclusively by Aldi, the agency said on its website.

The tarnished chickpea balls have been found since July 24 in Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, the agency said.

The number of victims and states involved in the outbreak are likely greater because the product was distributed to 36 states, experts said.

It is the latest food poisoning outbreak in recent months in which consumers have reported becoming ill after eating a variety of foods, including dried cereals like Cheerios and Lucky Charms, burgers from Wendy’s and a lentil and leek crumble made by food delivery company, Daily Harvest.

The falafel brand is made by Cuisine Innovations Unlimited of Lakewood, NJ. Aldi is recommending that consumers throw out the packages in their freezers and get a refund from their local store.