A recent recall of bagged organic whole and baby carrots, produced by Grimmway Farms, has raised concerns in the United States about an E. coli outbreak.
Sold in major chains such as Trader Joe’s, Publix, Wegmansamong others, these carrots have been linked to a serious outbreak of E. coli, which has caused 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations and one death.
Alert for recall of carrots from the market
Grimmway Farms issued the recall following a connection made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between its carrots and an active outbreak of E.coli producer of Shiga toxin, a bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
What are the carrots you should not eat?
The recall affects both whole and bagged organic baby carrots, sold under various brands and sizes. These carrots were available in stores between August 14 and October 23, 2024.
Brands and sizes:
- 365: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
- Bunny Luv: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb
- Trader Joe’s: 1lb
- Wegmans: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
- GreenWise: 1lb, 25lb
Brands and sizes:
- 365: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb (Best before dates: September 11–November 2, 2024)
- Bunny Luv: 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb (Best before dates: September 11–November 12, 2024)
- Trader Joe’s: 1lb (Best before dates: September 13–November 4, 2024)
(Full list included in the article.)
States affected by the outbreak
The outbreak has been reported in 18 states, with Washington, Minnesota and New York being the most affected. States that have reported cases include:
- Arkansas, California, Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, among others.
Symptoms of E. Coli infection
infections due to E.coli Shiga toxin producerSTECfor its acronym in English) can cause severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.
Symptoms usually appear 3–4 days after consuming contaminated food.
In severe cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening kidney condition, may develop.
What to do if you have carrots that were ordered recalled
The FDA recommends the following steps to protect yourself:
- Get rid of retired carrots: Throw away all affected produce, even if it looks fresh.
- Disinfect surfaces: Clean areas where carrots were stored.
- Monitor symptoms: Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of infection E.coli.
Does cooking eliminate E.coli?
Yes, cooking carrots (and other vegetables) to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) can effectively kill bacteria. E.coli.
However, it is best to discard recalled products rather than relying solely on cooking as a safety measure.