A multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H9 infections has been linked to bagged organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California. As a result, the company has initiated a voluntary recall of multiple brands and sizes of these carrots. Consumers are being urged to check their homes for the recalled products and discard them immediately.
What You Need to Know About the Recall
Grimmway Farms is recalling organic carrots sold under a variety of brand names, including Cal-Organic, Bunny Luv, Good & Gather, Trader Joe’s, Simple Truth, and several others. The recalled products include:
- Organic whole carrots, which were available in stores between August 14 and October 23, 2024.
- Organic baby carrots, which have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.
A full list of the affected brands and products is included below. Although these products are likely no longer on store shelves, they may still be in consumers’ homes, particularly if stored in refrigerators or freezers.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
If you have eaten any of the recalled carrots, watch for symptoms of E. coli infection, which typically include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to nine days after consuming contaminated food. In severe cases, E. coli infections can lead to kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS), high blood pressure, or other serious health complications.
What to Do if You Have Recalled Carrots
- Do not eat the recalled carrots. If you have them at home, throw them away immediately.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that came into contact with the recalled carrots to avoid cross-contamination.
- If you stored the carrots without their original packaging and are unsure of the brand, do not eat them. Discard them.
Advice for Retailers and Distributors
Retailers and distributors that may have received the recalled carrots should take the following steps:
- Do not sell the recalled products. If you are unsure whether you received the affected products, contact your supplier.
- Check your stock: If the recalled products are still in your inventory, remove them immediately from shelves and notify customers.
- Clean and sanitize any bins, refrigerators, or storage areas that may have come in contact with the contaminated products before refilling them.
Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials, is investigating the outbreak. Of the 27 people interviewed as part of the investigation, 26 (96%) reported consuming carrots prior to becoming ill. The FDA has identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier of the contaminated carrots.
While the affected products are likely no longer available for purchase, the FDA is working with Grimmway Farms to trace the source of the contamination and determine if additional products may be impacted. The investigation is ongoing, and the advisory will be updated as new information becomes available.
What to Do if You Think You’re Affected
If you believe you may have symptoms of an E. coli infection after consuming organic carrots, contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice.
Consumers are urged to be vigilant about the recall and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from potential health risks.
