Recall Issued for Baby and Whole Organic Carrots Due to E. coli Outbreak
A recall is underway for baby and whole organic carrots in 18 states, including New York, after E. coli sickened 39 people, hospitalized 15, and killed one, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Sunday.
States Affected
Most of those infected live in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, as well as California and Oregon, the CDC said.
Recalled Carrots
Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., recalled “multiple sizes and brands” of the bagged carrots, the CDC said, including those at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods’ 365 brand, and Wegmans.
The recalled brands include Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, and Wholesome Pantry.
Best-If-Used-By Dates
The baby carrots carried best-if-used-by dates of Sept. 11 through Nov. 12 of this year. Whole carrots do not have a used-by date but were on store shelves from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23, the CDC said.
What to Do
“Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people’s homes,” the CDC said in a statement. “If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.”
While they’re no longer in stores, they “may be in consumers’ refrigerators of freezers,” the CDC warned.
Outbreak Details
Eight of the 39 people infected with the E. coli associated with the carrots were in Washington State, KOMO-TV reported. Illnesses began manifesting on Sept. 6 and lasted through Oct. 28, the CDC said.
“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC said. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.”
Symptoms and Treatment
E. coli infection symptoms usually begin three to four days after the bacteria is consumed. The signs include severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and possibly-bloody diarrhea. The CDC advised anyone experiencing severe symptoms to seek medical attention and tell the provider what they ate.
Most people recover without treatment in five to seven days, but among young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, the infection can be severe and even life-threatening.
Conclusion
The recall is a precautionary measure to ensure public health and safety. It is essential to check your home for recalled carrots and take immediate action if you find any. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with your healthcare provider or local health authorities.
FAQs
Q: What are the affected states?
A: The affected states include New York, Minnesota, Washington, California, and Oregon.
Q: What are the recalled brands?
A: The recalled brands include Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, and Wholesome Pantry.
Q: What should I do if I have recalled carrots at home?
A: If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.
Q: Can I still consume carrots that are not affected by the recall?
A: Yes, carrots that are not affected by the recall are safe to consume. However, it is essential to check the best-if-used-by date and the brand to ensure they are not part of the recalled batch.
Q: What are the symptoms of E. coli infection?
A: The symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and possibly-bloody diarrhea. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention and tell the provider what you ate.
