CDC says E-coli tainted carrots killed one, made 39 ill in US
ATLANTA, Georgia: E. coli infections linked to fresh carrots sold by several large grocery retailers in 18 states caused the death of one person and made 39 others ill, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on November 17.
The CDC has linked a recent outbreak of infections to whole-bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, a California-based company. These carrots, distributed under various brand names, were sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.
While the CDC believes the carrots are no longer available on store shelves, they may still be in consumers' homes and should be discarded immediately.
According to the CDC, the recent E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has affected individuals in the following 18 eighteen states:
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
This outbreak has resulted in 39 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death. The contaminated carrots were distributed nationwide under various brand names, including 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, and Trader Joe's. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for these products and discard any with "Best If Used By" dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Grimmway Farms voluntarily recalled the affected products, which were also shipped to stores in Canada and Puerto Rico.
The recall applies to whole carrots with best-if-used-by dates between August 14 and October 23 and baby carrots with dates from September 11 to November 12.
In a press release, Grimmway Farms announced it is reviewing its growing, harvesting, and processing procedures in collaboration with suppliers and health authorities.
Media reports indicate that Grimmway Farms, previously a family-owned business, was sold to private equity firm Teays River Investments in 2020.