Aside from information about the affected U.S. states experiencing an E. coli outbreak, the CDC has also shared a list of food brands that have been recalled and prevention tips.
On November 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public that there is a new E. coli outbreak in the U.S. that is linked to organic carrots. They have revealed which products have been recalled, the affected states, case statistics, symptoms, and what people should do to avoid infection.
OUTBREAK: Investigation of E. coli O121:H9 in bagged organic whole & baby #carrots from Grimmway Farms. The voluntary recall is of multiple sizes & brands. Products are likely no longer available for sale in stores – check your refrigerator. Full list> https://t.co/4hPELJXa7d
— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) November 18, 2024
The CDC and FDC confirmed that the E. coli outbreak is linked to organic whole and baby carrots of multiple sizes distributed by Grimmway Farms.
Although the supplier company issued a recall of the implicated products on November 16, the CDC warns that some of the recalled bagged carrots may still be present in consumers’ homes, even if they are no longer available on the shelves of local supermarkets.
People are advised to check their refrigerators for any brands of organic whole or baby carrots that have been recalled, and immediately discard or return them to the store.
Businesses are also cautioned against selling such items and have been urged to wash and sanitize any surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with the recalled carrots.
Grimmway Farms’ product recall consists of a comprehensive list of several brands. The affected brands include well-known names such as 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, and Marketside.
Others include Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry. The recalled baby organic carrots feature best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12.
Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers’ Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination https://t.co/kcnABGhfpD pic.twitter.com/vTGSI0z6Cd
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) November 18, 2024
Although the whole organic carrots have no specific best-if-used-by dates listed on the bags, these products were available for purchase in stores between August 14 and October 23. Whole organic carrot brands that are affected by the E.coli product recall are identical to the ones for the baby carrots.
The E. coli outbreak has been confirmed in 18 states across the U.S., with a total of 39 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death. Additionally, the last reported illness onset occurred on October 28.
E. Coli Outbreak: 39 people are sick in 18 states. Check your homes for recalled bagged organic carrots. Do not eat recalled carrots. Throw them away. Carrots currently on store shelves are not affected. See the notice for a full list of brands of carrots.https://t.co/lzD2Z1SEAw pic.twitter.com/dL4KpqmZr1
— CDC (@CDCgov) November 17, 2024
Affected states include Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
Interviews conducted with 27 individuals who fell ill revealed that 26 (96%) had consumed carrots in the week prior to experiencing symptoms, solidifying the link to the recalled products.
According to a case count map provided by the CDC, states like Minnesota, New York, and Washington are experiencing higher concentrations of cases, with other states such as Wyoming, California, and Texas showing a more scattered spread.
An E. coli outbreak tied to organic whole and baby carrots from Grimmway Farms has affected 39 people across 18 states, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one death, according to the CDC.
Read more: https://t.co/BuXUEfmgdc pic.twitter.com/fqwq5t3ayk
— ABC News (@ABC) November 19, 2024
The recalled organic carrots were contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19, which is a dangerous strain of bacteria known to cause severe and sometimes life-threatening infections.
This strain poses a heightened risk to young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
In severe cases, infections may lead to complications such as kidney issues (hemolytic uremic syndrome a.k.a HUS). This is a condition that can cause kidney failure, and in some severe cases, death. Common symptoms of an E. coli infection, which typically appear three to four days after exposure, include intense stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) fever, nausea, and vomiting.
A deadly E. coli outbreak has been linked to organic carrot from Grimmway Farms, sold at many major chains.
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