A major recall of organic carrots and baby carrots sold in grocery stores across the country has been issued by California farmers after an E. coli outbreak that has killed one person.
Grimmway Farms, which makes and packs organic carrots, recalled Saturday after nearly 40 cases were reported in 18 states. At least 15 people were hospitalized and one person died, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Where are carrots sold?
Some stores that sell carrots in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and Canada are affected, including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Food Lion, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Canadian chains Loblaws and Praise.
“State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick,” the US Food and Drug Administration said on Sunday. “Of the 27 people interviewed, 26 reported eating carrots. An FDA traceback investigation identified Grimmway Farms as a common supplier of organic and baby carrots in this outbreak.”
What carrots do you remember?
According to the FDA, the recall is not pulling carrots from store shelves because they can no longer be sold, but they may be in people’s homes and refrigerators.
Organic whole carrots, which do not have a best-by date on the bag but are available for purchase in retail stores from August 14 to October 23, 2024.
Organic baby carrots with a best if used date from September 11 to November 12, 2024.
What brands of carrot have you recalled?
This list includes the brands or brands of stores (and bag sizes) that sell carrots.
Organic Carrots Organic Kab
Whole Foods 365 – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Grimmway Farms
Luv Rabbits – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb
Cal-Organic – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb, 25lb
Praise – 2 lb
Full Circle – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Good & Collectable – 2lb
GreenWise – 1lb, 25lbs
Market – 2 lb
Nature’s Promise – 1lb, 5lb
O-Organic – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb
Grimmway Farms
President’s Choice – 2lb
Simple Facts – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Trader Joe’s – 1 lb
Wegmans – 1 lb., 2 lb., 5 lb
Healthy Pantry – 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Organic Baby Carrots
Whole Foods 365 – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
Grimmway Farms
Luv Rabbit – 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb
Kal-Organic – 12oz, 1lb, 2lbs, 2pk/2lbs
Praise – 1 lb
Full Circle – 1 lb
Good & Collectable – 12oz, 1lb
Grimmway Farms
GreenWise – 1 lb
Grimmway Farms – 25 lb
Market – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
Nature’s Promise – 1lb
O-Organic – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
President’s Choice – 1lb, 2lb
Raleigh – 1 lb
The simple truth – 1lb, 2lb
Sprouts – 1 lb., 2 lb
Trader Joe’s – 1 lb
Wegmans – 12oz, 1lb, 2lb
Healthy Pantry – 1lb, 2lb
What strain of E. coli could be associated with the outbreak?
According to the CDC, carrots may be linked to outbreaks of E. coli O121:H19, which can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms usually start three to four days after ingesting the bacteria and most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
Some people may develop serious kidney problems and need to be hospitalized, the CDC says.
Already 39 people have been infected in 18 states including Washington, Minnesota, New York, California, Oregon, South Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Orion, Virginia and Wyoming.
What to do if you have carrots?
The CDC and FDA say the recalled carrots should be thrown away immediately or returned to the store for a refund. People should also clean and sanitize any surfaces they may touch.
