E. coli Outbreak Prompts Nationwide Carrot Recall
A recall of organic carrots has been issued by Grimmway Farms, a California-based agricultural company, following a potential outbreak of E. coli that has resulted in one death and numerous hospitalizations across the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly 40 cases of E. coli infection have been documented in 18 states, with at least 15 individuals requiring hospitalization.
Details of the Recall
Grimmway Farms announced the recall on Saturday after an investigation by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the outbreak to their organic whole and baby carrots.
The FDA's traceback investigation revealed that out of 27 people interviewed who fell ill, 26 had eaten carrots, establishing Grimmway Farms as a common supplier in this outbreak.
The recalled products include:
- Organic Whole Carrots: Sold without a best-if-used-by date from August 14 through October 23, 2024.
- Organic Baby Carrots: With best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024.
While the recall doesn't require stores to remove any carrots from their shelves, it's important that consumers to check their refrigerators for these products and throw them out.
Affected Brands and Retailers
The recall affects a wide range of brands and store labels. Some of the brands included in the recall for organic whole carrots are:
- Whole Foods 365: Available in 1lb, 2lb, and 5lb packages.
- Bunny Luv: Offered in sizes from 1lb to 25lb.
- Cal-Organic: Available in various sizes including 1lb, 2lb, and up to 25lb.
- Trader Joe's: Sold in 1lb bags.
- Other brands include Good & Gather, Nature's Promise, O-Organics, and more.
For organic baby carrots, affected brands include:
- Whole Foods 365: Available in sizes from 12oz to 2lb.
- Bunny Luv: Sizes range from 1lb to 5lb.
- Cal-Organic: Offered in multiple sizes including a two-pack of 2lbs.
- Other brands include Good & Gather, Nature's Promise, and Trader Joe's.
These products were sold at major grocery chains including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Food Lion, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, as well as Canadian retailers like Loblaws and Compliments.
Health Risks Associated with E. coli
The CDC has indicated that the strain of E. coli potentially linked to this outbreak is O121:H19. Symptoms typically manifest three to four days after exposure and can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Most individuals recover without medical intervention within five to seven days; however, some may experience severe complications such as kidney failure requiring hospitalization.
As of now, infections have been reported across various states including Washington, Minnesota, New York, California, Oregon, South Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia, and Wyoming.
What Should You Do?
1. Consumers who possess any recalled carrots should dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a refund.
2. It is crucial to clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products to prevent cross-contamination.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely as health officials conduct interviews with affected individuals to gather more information about their food consumption prior to falling ill.