Organic carrots sold in major supermarket chains in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico are linked to an E. coli outbreak that has killed at least one person and sickened 39 others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
California-based Grimmway Farms issued a recall on Nov. 16, 2024 for organic carrots sold in major ... [+]
California-based Grimmway Farms announced a recall on Saturday after the CDC reported the products may have been contaminated with Siga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli).
The carrots are unlikely still for sale in stores, but could still be in people’s homes, the CDC said.
The bagged whole carrots were available for purchase between Aug. 14 and Oct. 23 at major retailers under multiple brand names, including 365, Good & Gather, Trader Joe’s and Nature’s Promise.
The affected organic baby carrots include best-if-used-by dates between Sept. 11 and Nov. 12 and were sold under brands, including Cal-Organic, President’s Choice, Wegman’s and Kroger, among others.
The CDC has recorded illnesses in at least 18 states, with the highest concentrations in Washington, Minnesota and New York, though the agency notes that “the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported.”
The CDC linked the outbreak to the carrots after interviewing 27 people sickened with E. coli and 96% of them said they had eaten carrots.
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“We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously,” Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby said in a statement. “The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest, and processing practices. Our food safety team is working with our suppliers and health authorities.”
The recall comes after an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders last month sickened at least 104 people and killed one, according to the CDC, likely from the slivered onions served on the burgers.
Symptoms of E. coli—including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting—can emerge anywhere from a few to nine days after consuming contaminated food. Life-threatening infections are often caused by kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurologic problems.
1 Dead and Dozens Ill in E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots (The New York Times)
Carrots sold at Trader Joe's and Wegmans recalled due to possible E. coli contamination (NBC News)
Dozens are sickened and 1 person died after eating carrots contaminated with E. coli (ABC News)