Organic and baby carrots sold at grocery stores across the US have been recalled following a deadly E. coli outbreak. The outbreak has already resulted in one fatality, with 15 hospitalizations and 39 confirmed cases spread across 18 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The recall affects bagged carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms, which were sold in major supermarket chains, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods’s 365, Target’s Good & Gather, Walmart’s Marketside, Wegmans, and several others. Though these products are believed to be off store shelves, officials caution that some may still be in homes. Consumers are advised to dispose of or return any recalled carrots to stores for a full refund.
The majority of infections have been reported in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases emerging in California and Oregon. According to reports, the organic whole carrots included in the recall do not have a printed “best-if-used-by” date on the packaging but were available for purchase from August 14 to October 23. Organic baby carrots with “best-if-used-by” dates ranging from September 11 to November 12 are also part of the recall.
In addition to discarding any impacted carrots, the CDC strongly recommends cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that might have come into contact with them. This step is crucial to prevent any potential spread of the E. coli bacteria.
E. coli strain O121, the bacteria behind the current outbreak, typically causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms generally develop three to four days after ingesting contaminated food. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, there is a risk of developing serious kidney complications that could necessitate hospitalization. The CDC advises that anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical care promptly.
This recent outbreak follows another high-profile E. coli case in the US, which involved slivered onions used on certain McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. That incident led to 104 illnesses, 34 hospitalizations, and one fatality. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that the individual who died during that outbreak passed away in October.
The CDC and FDA are working together to track the source of the current E. coli contamination and to prevent future outbreaks. They urge consumers to stay informed about recalls and to take food safety precautions seriously to avoid infection.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and awareness. Consumers are encouraged to frequently check for recall notices, especially involving fresh produce, and to take any potential foodborne illness seriously.