There’s a massive recall underway for organic carrots, as the potential E. coli outbreak has prompted a wide range of brands sold in major supermarkets across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This recall, by Grimmway Farms, was initiated after it received reports of sickness – one confirmed death related to the items in question.
Overview of the recall
On Nov. 17, 2024 Grimmway Farms recalled organic whole and baby carrots after an outbreak investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked the carrots to an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19. To date, there are 39 reported cases in 18 states with at least 15 people hospitalized and one death confirmed. The CDC reported it typically takes three to four days for the onset of symptoms, which can include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea- sometimes bloody, and vomiting.
Grimmway Farms announced: “Consumers who purchased carrots in the list below and still have them in their refrigerator or freezer should not consume them; they should be destroyed or discarded.”
Brands and products affected
Several brands and package sizes are affected by this recall. Those include the following brands:
- Bunny Luv – 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb
- Cal-Organic – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
- Compliments – 1lb
- Full Circle – 1lb
- Good & Gather – 12oz, 1lb
- GreenWise – 1lb
- Grimmway Farms – 25 lb
- Marketside – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
- Nature’s Promise – 1lb
- O-Organics – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
- President’s Choice – 1lb, 2lb
- Raley’s – 1lb
- Simple Truth – 1lb, 2lb
- Sprouts – 1lb, 2lb
- Trader Joe’s – 1lb
- Wegmans – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
- Wholesome Pantry – 1lb, 2lb
- 365 – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Other labels listed above, Bunny Luv and Cal-Organic, had best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12, and organic whole carrots had no date on them but were sold from August 14 through October 23.
Retailers involved
The recalled carrots were distributed nationwide to most major retailers. Some of the supermarket chains that can be identified that sold the recalled carrots are:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Albertsons
- Publix
- Food Lion
- Target
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegmans
Canadian retailers noted to have been involved with this recall include Loblaws and Compliments.
Health implications
E. coli O121:H19 pathogen causes serious foodborne gastrointestinal illness. While most people recover in five to seven days without treatment, other people can develop life-threatening complications, such as HUS ( Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome), which can cause kidney failure. The CDC says anyone having signs and symptoms of severe illness should see a health care provider right away. Symptoms of E. coli illness can include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Vomiting
- Fever higher than 102°F
Consumers who have consumed the recalled products should pay close attention to their health and seek healthcare providers if symptoms occur.
Consumer guidance
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled carrot products should take the following immediate steps:
- Discard recalled carrots at home.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces or utensils that may have contacted the contaminated products.
CDC and FDA recommend that, when possible, all unopened products should be returned to the store for refund.
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