People sickened in 6 states after E. coli outbreak linked to Aldi falafel

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert Friday for Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel sold at Aldi stores.

The CDC warns the frozen product could contain E. coli, a food-borne illness that causes symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea and vomiting.

E. coli is especially bad for kids senior citizens or people with weakened immune symptoms.

The agency said at least 20 people in six states have gotten sick, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Kansas and Florida. Five people needed to be hospitalized.

Recalled boxes are labeled Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel and have any of the following lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, or 1812.

The affected falafel was sold in the frozen foods section at Aldi stores across the country.

If you have the recalled item in your freezer, you should throw it away or return to the store for a refund.