The Centers for Disease Control is warning people not to eat multiple brands of recalled organic whole-bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms due to an outbreak of E. coli infections.
So far, 39 cases and one death have been reported in 18 states, including one case in North Carolina. There have been 15 hospitalizations connected to the outbreak, according to the CDC.
The CDC said that carrots on store shelves are likely not affected but may be in people’s homes. If you have recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.
“Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers,” the company said in a statement.
“These products may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli),” according to the statement. “The company is voluntarily recalling these carrots after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that these products may be associated with an outbreak. To date, 39 illnesses and one death have been associated with an E. coli O121:H19 outbreak.”
What is Grimmway Farms? What to know about the carrot producer tied to E. coli outbreak
Carrot recall announced: Carrot recall announced in connection to E. coli outbreak: See list of affected products
What carrots have been recalled?
On Nov. 16, Grimmway Farms recalled bagged organic baby and whole carrots, according to the CDC.
Brands of recalled baby organic carrots:
Brands of recalled whole organic carrots
What are symptoms of E. coli?
The symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting, according to the CDC.
CDC says these are important things to remember:
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Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
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Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
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Some people may develop kidney problems and would need to be hospitalized.
Who is most susceptible to E. coli?
There are groups of people who are at an increased risk for E. coli infection, according to the CDC.
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People with weakened immune systems
What should I do with recalled products?
The CDC advises people to check their refrigerators for carrots under the recall and to dispose of them. Carrots are not to be consumed. It also recommends washing items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the carrots using soapy water or a dishwasher.
What did Grimmway Farms say regarding the incident?
In a Nov. 16 press release, Grimmway Farms issued a recall on organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots. Although the carrots should no longer be available for purchase in grocery stores, but they may still be in consumers’ freezers and refrigerators, the company said.
The following recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada:
∎ Organic whole carrots, which do not have a best-if-used-by date printed on the bag, but were available for purchase at retail stores from August 14 through October 23, 2024.
∎ Organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by-dates ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 12, 2024.
“We take our role in ensuring safety and quality of our products seriously,” said Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby. “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.”
This map shows the states where people were sickened by an E. coli outbreak linked to contaminated carrots. According to the CDC, 39 people fell ill, and one died.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: E. coli outbreak from carrots reaches NC: See the brands recalled
