A nationwide recall of whole and baby organic carrots, linked to an E. coli outbreak, has affected stores like Costco and Aldi. Over a dozen Grimmway Farms brands, including Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Trader Joe’s, and 365 Whole Foods, have been recalled. Other affected stores include Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Wegrams.
E. coli contamination causes frequent food recalls in the U.S., Affecting foods like beef, pork, chicken, frozen, canned, prepackaged, vegetables, and fruits. The outbreak has caused 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death in 18 states. Recalled whole and baby carrots are no longer available in stores, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges consumers to check for them in fridges or freezers.
“If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they have touched. Consumers concerned about an illness should contact a medical professional.” the FDA said.
The Outbreak
In November 2024, the FDA and CDC recalled two types of bagged organic carrots produced by Grimmway Farms, which may have been linked to an 18-state outbreak of E. coli. Both agencies urge consumers to check for the recalled carrots at home and dispose of them if found. The producers are no longer available for purchase in stores. At least one person over 65 has died due to the outbreak, with 15 hospitalized and 39 confirmed illnesses. The real number is likely higher, according to the CDC.
Some stores, but not all, have recalled Grimmway Farms carrots. These stores are Costco, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Aldi, Target, Publix, 365 Whole Foods Market, Kroger, and Albertsons. Grimmway Farms carrots have led to the recall of two types of organic carrot stick products by F&S Fresh Foods and nine broccoli and vegetable medley products by California-based 4Earth Farms. The organic carrot stick and celery were distributed to Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada. The recalls were due to possible E. coli contamination.
What are the symptoms of E. coli?
STEC (Syphilis and Enteritis) causes symptoms such as abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting. The infection can last 3 to 8 days, with most patients recovering within 10 days. However, a small proportion of patients, particularly young children and the elderly, may develop life-threatening diseases like hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by acute renal failure, a common cause of neurological complications in 25% of HUS patients and chronic renal sequelae in around 50% of survivors. People experiencing severe abdominal cramps should seek medical care. Antibiotics are not part of STEC treatment and may increase the risk of HUS.
How does the E. coli get into the carrots?
E. coli can enter produce through cattle, the largest reservoir of the bacteria. Contamination can occur through infected cattle feces entering water or soil used for crop cultivation or cross-contamination during food cultivation or packaging. The Grimmway Farms recall follows a wave of recent recalls and food-borne illness outbreaks in the US, with the number of recalls steadily increasing over the last few years, according to the World Health Organization.
