A recall has been issued for organic and baby carrots sold at grocery stores across the United States due to an E. coli outbreak that has resulted in one fatality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39 cases have been reported across 18 states, with 15 individuals hospitalized. The affected carrots were sold in bags by Grimmway Farms and distributed to major supermarket chains, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods’ 365 brand, Target’s Good & Gather, Walmart’s Marketside, Wegmans, and others.
While the contaminated products are likely no longer available in stores, they may still be in homes. Consumers who have purchased these carrots are advised to discard them or return them to the store for a refund. According to the Associated Press, most of the people infected in the recent E. coli outbreak are from New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases reported in California and Oregon.
The CDC reported that the recalled organic whole carrots do not have a “best-if-used-by” date printed on the packaging but were sold between August 14 and October 23. Organic baby carrots, which have “best-if-used-by” dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, are also part of the recall.
In addition to disposing of any recalled carrots, the CDC urges consumers to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected products.
Symptoms of O121 E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically appearing three to four days after exposure. While most people recover without medical treatment, some can experience serious kidney complications, requiring hospitalization.
This outbreak follows a recent E. coli incident linked to slivered onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers, which sickened 104 people. The FDA previously reported that one person died and 34 others were hospitalized as a result of that outbreak in October.