The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an investigation into the organic and baby carrots sold throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada due to the potential risk of an E.coli outbreak. It follows a voluntary recall of multiple quantities of carrots initiated by Grimmway Farms on November 16.
These carrots have been sold to stores across the country including Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. According to a report by the CDC, 39 illnesses have been reported, one dead and 15 others hospitalized. The CDC added that the number of illnesses is likely higher than the reported cases.
Which brands fall under the recall?
The organic carrots which were recalled did not have the best-if-used-by date printed on the bag and they were available in the market from August 14 through October 23, 2024. Whereas the recalled baby carrots included the best-if-used-by date ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.
The recall includes the following brands: Grimmway Farms, 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Kroger, LIDL, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry. One can access the complete list from the official FDA website.
The infection has been reported in 18 states so far which include: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby said:
“We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously. 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.”
Precautionary measures for consumers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised customers to avoid consuming the recalled carrots. They must throw them away or return them to the retailer.
Further, consumers should clean the surface and items with hot soapy water or dishwasher that might have come in contact with the contaminated carrots.
They should also watch out for symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, high fever than 102°F, persistent vomiting, and any signs of dehydration. In case of these symptoms then consult your healthcare provider immediately.
According to the FDA, as a precautionary measure Grimmway Farms:
“has also notified its customers who received the recalled product directly from Grimmway Farms and requested that those customers notify distributors of the recalled products.”
What kind of E.coli has been found in the recalled carrots?
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The carrots have been found contaminated with a dangerous E.coli bacteria called the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19. It can trigger severe heath-related conditions in patients known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), according to the CDC. It damages blood vessels which can cause blood clots leading to kidney failure and can be life-threatening as well, according to a report by Mayo Clinic.
Young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems possess a high risk of being infected by the disease.
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