Federal health officials say the current E. coli outbreak is linked to organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms.Mychele Daniau/AFP via Getty Images
A deadly E. coli outbreak has been linked to organic carrots, leaving one person dead and at least 38 others sick across 18 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the news on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Cases began surfacing between September 6 and October 28, with Washington, Minnesota, and New York reporting the highest numbers.
The CDC has warned that the true scale of the outbreak may be larger. Many people recover without medical treatment and are not tested for E. coli. Officials said more cases may emerge as the investigation continues.
The outbreak has been traced to organic whole and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. The California-based company is one of the largest carrot producers globally. On Saturday, Grimmway Farms issued a recall for several sizes and brands of organic carrots, including baby organic carrots with best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12 and whole organic carrots sold from August 14 to October 23.
The recalled carrots were distributed through major retailers like Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Sprouts, Whole Foods’ 365, Target’s Good & Gather, Walmart’s Marketside, Publix’s GreenWise, and Kroger’s Simple Truth, among others. A detailed list of affected products can be found on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
Grimmway Farms emphasized that the recalled items are likely no longer in stores. However, the company urged customers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected carrots. Consumers are advised to discard the recalled products and sanitize any surfaces the carrots may have touched. Grimmway Farms also stated that the implicated farms have ceased production for now.
E. coli infections can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. These usually appear three to four days after consuming the bacteria. Most people recover within five to seven days, but some infections can cause severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can result in kidney failure and other serious health problems. The CDC reported that no cases of HUS have been identified among the 38 reviewed so far.
The type of E. coli involved in this outbreak produces Shiga toxins, which are highly dangerous. The FDA and CDC are continuing their investigation into the source of contamination and the full extent of its spread.
Federal health officials have urged anyone who purchased Grimmway Farms carrots during the affected dates to remain cautious. If you or someone you know develops symptoms of E. coli, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is crucial, especially in preventing severe complications.
The CDC has also called on state health departments to remain vigilant for new cases and provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, consumers are reminded to practice food safety measures, including washing produce thoroughly, refrigerating perishable items promptly, and discarding any recalled products.
The situation remains under close watch as public health officials work to contain the outbreak and protect consumers from further harm.
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