Organically grown carrots have been recalled in the United States following a deadly E. coli outbreak that has resulted in one confirmed death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 39 infections have been recorded across 18 states, with 15 individuals hospitalized due to the severity of their conditions.
The recall affects bagged carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms, which were sold at major supermarkets including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods (under the 365 brand), Target (Good & Gather), Walmart (Marketside), and Wegmans. Although these products are likely no longer on store shelves, public health officials caution that some may still be in consumers' homes. Those who possess these products are urged to dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for refunds.
According to reports, the majority of infected individuals are located in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases noted in states like California and Oregon. The CDC mentioned that the recalled organic whole carrots do not feature a best-if-used-by date, but were available for sale between August 14 and October 23. Organic baby carrots, on the other hand, should have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12 to be affected by this recall.
In conjunction with the recall, the CDC advises consumers to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Symptoms of O121 E. coli typically manifest as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, emerging three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, some may face serious kidney complications that require hospitalization.
This recent outbreak of E. coli linked to carrots follows a notable incident earlier this year where slivered onions served in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers contributed to 104 illnesses. The FDA previously reported that one person died in October as a result of the onion-related outbreak, which also resulted in 34 hospitalizations.
The recall affects bagged carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms, which were sold at major supermarkets including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods (under the 365 brand), Target (Good & Gather), Walmart (Marketside), and Wegmans. Although these products are likely no longer on store shelves, public health officials caution that some may still be in consumers' homes. Those who possess these products are urged to dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for refunds.
According to reports, the majority of infected individuals are located in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases noted in states like California and Oregon. The CDC mentioned that the recalled organic whole carrots do not feature a best-if-used-by date, but were available for sale between August 14 and October 23. Organic baby carrots, on the other hand, should have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12 to be affected by this recall.
In conjunction with the recall, the CDC advises consumers to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Symptoms of O121 E. coli typically manifest as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, emerging three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, some may face serious kidney complications that require hospitalization.
This recent outbreak of E. coli linked to carrots follows a notable incident earlier this year where slivered onions served in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers contributed to 104 illnesses. The FDA previously reported that one person died in October as a result of the onion-related outbreak, which also resulted in 34 hospitalizations.
