Deadly E. coli Outbreak Linked to Carrots
CDC Warns of Outbreak Affecting 39 People Across 18 States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to organic whole and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. According to the CDC, a total of 39 people have been infected with E. coli in 18 states, with 15 people hospitalized and one person dying.
Affected Areas and Products
Illnesses have been reported in Washington, Oregon, California, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Grimmway Farms has recalled the implicated carrots, which were available in multiple brands and sizes of bagged organic whole and baby carrots.
Recalled Products
- Baby Organic Carrots
- Best-if-used-by dates ranging from 9/11/2024 to 11/12/2024
- Brands: 365, 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, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry
- Whole Organic Carrots
- Were available for purchase in stores approximately from 8/14/2024 through 10/23/2024
- No best-if-used-by-dates are on the bags of organic whole carrots
- Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry
Symptoms and Prevention
According to the CDC, most people infected experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. The symptoms usually start about three or four days after consumption. To prevent illness, consumers are advised to check their homes for recalled bagged organic carrots and not eat them. Instead, they should throw them away. Carrots currently on store shelves are not affected.
Contact Information
Consumers with questions or products in their possession may contact Grimmway Farms’ customer services desk at 1-800-301-3101, Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm ET, and November 16-17, 8 am-8 pm ET, or visit www.grimmway.com.
Conclusion
The E. coli outbreak linked to Grimmway Farms’ organic whole and baby carrots is a serious health concern. Consumers are urged to take immediate action to check their homes for recalled products and prevent illness. Grimmway Farms has issued a voluntary recall of the affected products, and consumers can contact the company with questions or concerns.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been infected with E. coli?
A: A total of 39 people have been infected with E. coli in 18 states.
Q: How many people have been hospitalized?
A: 15 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
Q: Has anyone died from the outbreak?
A: Yes, one person has died as a result of the outbreak.
Q: Which states are affected by the outbreak?
A: Washington, Oregon, California, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Q: What should consumers do if they have recalled carrots?
A: Consumers should check their homes for recalled bagged organic carrots and not eat them. Instead, they should throw them away. Carrots currently on store shelves are not affected.
