A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic carrots has claimed one life and sickened dozens more, prompting a nationwide warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The agency is urging consumers to avoid eating or serving multiple brands of recalled whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms.
The outbreak has so far resulted in 39 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one tragic death.
Cases have been identified across 18 states, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Texas, though the recalled carrots were distributed nationwide.
The affected products include brands such as Cal-Organic, Bunny Luv, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, Simple Truth, and store brands from major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Target, Wegmans, and Sprouts.
These retail-packaged organic whole carrots were sold between August 14 and October 23, 2024, with “best by” dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.
E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of consuming contaminated food but can take up to nine days to manifest. In severe cases, E. coli can lead to life-threatening complications.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and dispose of any recalled carrots immediately.
The FDA’s website provides a comprehensive list of the affected products. Retailers and distributors are also being called on to ensure these items are removed from shelves to prevent further illnesses.
