Organic and baby carrots distributed to grocery stores nationwide are being recalled following an alarming E. coli outbreak that has claimed one life. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and 39 confirmed cases across 18 states.
The carrot recall affects bagged products from Grimmway Farms, which supplied major supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods's 365, Target's Good & Gather, Walmart's Marketside, and Wegmans. Authorities advise that while these affected products are likely to have been removed from store shelves, they may still be present in consumers' homes. Customers are urged to either throw away these items or return them to the store for a full refund.
Most cases of infection have been reported in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases emerging in California and Oregon, according to the Associated Press. The CDC noted that the recalled organic whole carrots do not display a best-if-used-by date on their packaging, but were sold between August 14 and October 23. Conversely, organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12 are also included in the recall.
In addition to disposing of contaminated products, the CDC emphasizes the importance of cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the carrots. Symptoms of the O121 E. coli strain typically manifest within three to four days after exposure, presenting as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. While many recover without medical intervention, some individuals may experience serious complications necessitating hospitalization.
This recent outbreak follows another significant incident in the U.S. related to slivered onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers, which affected 104 individuals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that one patient died in October due to that outbreak, highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.
