November 15,2024

E. Coli Outbreak Prompts Recall of Organic and Baby Carrots Across the US

A nationwide recall has been issued for organic and baby carrots sold at major grocery stores across the United States due to an E. coli O121 outbreak that has resulted in one death. The outbreak has hospitalized 15 people and infected 39 individuals across 18 states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Details of the Recall
The affected carrots, distributed by Grimmway Farms, were sold under several brand names, including:

Trader Joe's
Whole Foods 365
Target's Good & Gather
Walmart's Marketside
Wegmans, among others.
The recall includes:

Organic whole carrots (sold between 14 August and 23 October, with no printed best-if-used-by dates).
Organic baby carrots (with best-if-used-by dates from 11 September to 12 November).
Although the products are no longer available in stores, officials warn they may still be in consumers' homes. The CDC advises discarding or returning any recalled products and sanitizing surfaces they may have contacted.

Geographic Impact
Most infections have been reported in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases in California and Oregon.

Health Risks and Symptoms
Symptoms of E. coli O121 infection include:

Severe stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Symptoms typically appear 3 to 4 days after exposure. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, severe cases can lead to kidney complications requiring hospitalization.

Connection to Other Outbreaks
This outbreak follows another recent E. coli O121 incident linked to slivered onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers. That outbreak resulted in 104 illnesses, with 34 hospitalizations and one death reported by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Consumers are urged to stay vigilant and check their homes for potentially contaminated products to help prevent further illnesses.