A sweeping recall of organic carrots has been issued after an E. coli outbreak killed one person and sickened dozens more across several states. The outbreak is blamed on items from Grimmway Farms. The following article details the scope of the recall, specific food items involved, and important safety information for consumers.
Overview of the E. Coli outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had linked the E. coli outbreak to organic carrots supplied by California based Grimmway Farms as also discussed here, Recall of carrots: 19 brands sold in large supermarkets – These are the brands, lots and retailers concerned. In mid-November 2024, the number of confirmed infections was reported to be at 39 in 18 states, including the hospitalization of 15 people and one death in California. The outbreak strain is a rare type of E. coli serotype O121:H19, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and possible kidney complications.
The investigation by the CDC implicated that most of the people who, in one way or another, got infected had consumed either baby carrots or whole carrots from Grimmway Farms. The illnesses started from September 6 to October 28, 2024, and symptoms usually manifest three to four days from the time of exposure.
Implicated states and case distribution
States where the outbreak has occurred include:
- Washington: 8 cases
- Minnesota: 5 cases
- New York: 5 cases
- California: 3 cases
- Oregon: 3 cases
- New Jersey: 2 cases
- South Carolina: 2 cases
- Arkansas: 1 case
- Colorado: 1 case
- Massachusetts: 1 case
- Michigan: 1 case
- Missouri: 1 case
- North Carolina: 1 case
- Ohio: 1 case
- Pennsylvania: 1 case
- Texas: 1 case
- Virginia: 1 case
- Wyoming: 1 case
CDC says the real number of cases could be much higher than what has been reported so far because of delays in testing and diagnosis.
Details of the recall
On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms recalled several brands of organic carrots after health officials linked them to the continuing outbreak. The recalled products include baby and whole carrots sold under various brand names at major retailers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Recalled products
The following products are being recalled:
- Organic Baby Carrots: Best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12, 2024. Brands include:
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegmans
- Good & Gather
- Simple Truth
- Bunny Luv
- Cal-Organic
- Compliments
- Full Circle
- GreenWise
- Marketside
- Nature’s Promise
- O Organic
- President’s Choice
- Raley’s
- Sprouts
- Organic whole carrots: Sold without a best-if-used-by date but available for purchase from August 14 through October 23, 2024. Brands include:
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegmans
- Good & Gather
- Simple Truth
- Bunny Luv
- Cal-Organic
- Compliments
- Full Circle
- GreenWise
- Marketside
- Nature’s Promise
- O Organic
- President’s Choice
- Wholesome Pantry
Consumers are strongly urged to check their refrigerators for these products and discard them immediately if found.
Consumer safety recommendations
Given this outbreak, consumers should do the following:
- Immediately throw away any recalled carrot products.
- Clean with hot soapy water or a dishwasher any surfaces or utensils that could have come into contact with recalled carrots.
- Monitor for symptoms of E. coli infection if you consumed the affected product.
Meanwhile, both the CDC and FDA are working with Grimmway Farms to make sure that food safety practices are reviewed and enhanced to prevent future outbreaks as investigations continue into the source of the contamination.
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