E. coli infections linked to organic carrots from California grower

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials in several states are investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to recalled organic carrots sold by Grimmway Farms.

Carrots currently on store shelves are likely not affected but may be in customers’ homes, according to the CDC. Any recalled carrots should be thrown out or returned to the point of purchase.

On Nov. 16, Bakersfield, California-headquartered Grimmway Farms recalled multiples sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. The products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, the company said in a statement.

Baby organic carrots

• Best-if-used-by dates ranging from 9/11/2024 to 11/12/2024
• Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry

Whole organic carrots

• Were available for purchase in stores approximately from 8/14/2024 through 10/23/2024
• No best-if-used-by-dates are on the bags of organic whole carrots.
• Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry

Consumers should also wash items and surfaces that may have touched any recalled carrots using hot soapy water or a dishwasher, according to the CDC.

E. coli symptoms usually begin three to four days after contact with the bacteria, and most people recover without treatment in 5-7 days, according to the CDC, though some people may develop serious kidney problems. Contact a health care provider if severe E. coli symptoms occur, including:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• Excessive vomiting
• Signs of dehydration, such as less urination, dry mouth and throat and dizziness upon standing