E. coli linked to baby and whole organic carrots

On By Littum

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More than a dozen brands are recalling bags of organic carrots that were sold in 18 states for potential E. coli contamination, federal officials announced.

A multi-state E. coli outbreak tied to the carrots is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency said in a statement. One person has died and 15 have been hospitalized in connection with the outbreak.

Grimmway Farms recalled several brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. The affected brands are more than likely no longer in store, but can still be found in people’s homes.

Whole carrots that were affected could be purchased from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23, according to the CDC. They do not have a best-if-used-by date. However, baby carrots have best-if-used-by dates that fall between September 11 and November 12 this year.

The CDC advises against eating the recalled carrots. The agency urges consumers to check their refrigerators and dispose of affected products. For items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled carrots, wash them with warm, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Which brands were recalled?

Here are the organic whole carrots that are being recalled, along with their bag sizes. The products could be purchased from retailers between August 14 and October 23:

  • 365: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb bag sizes
  • Bunny Luv: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb
  • Cal organic: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb, 25lb
  • Compliments: 2 lbs
  • Full circle: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
  • Good & Collect: 2 lbs
  • GreenWise: 1 lbs., 25 lbs
  • Market page: 2 lbs
  • Nature’s promise: 1 lb., 5 lb
  • O-Organics: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb
  • The President’s Choice: 2 lbs
  • Simple truth: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
  • Trader Joe’s: 1 lb
  • Wegmans: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
  • Healthy Pantry: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb

Here are the cut and peeled organic baby carrots that are being recalled, along with their bag sizes and best-by-dates.

  • 365: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb; 11 September – 2 November
  • Bunny Luv: 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb; 11 September – 12 November
  • Cal organic: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb, 2 pack/2 lbs; 11 September – 2 November
  • Compliments: 1 lb; 14 September – 24 October
  • Full circle: 1 lb; 14 September – 24 October
  • Good & Collect: 12oz, 1lb; 14 September – 2 November
  • GreenWise: 1 lb; 11 September – 26 October
  • Grimmway Farms: 25 lb bag; 11 September – 3 October
  • Market page: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb; 11 September – 2 November
  • Nature’s promise: 1 lb; 13 September – 25 October
  • O-Organics: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb; 11 September – 2 November
  • The President’s election: 1lb, 2lb; 11 September – 2 November
  • Raley’s: 1 lb; 14 September – 23 October
  • Simple truth: 1lb, 2lb; 14 September – 2 November
  • Sprouts: 1lb, 2lb; 13 September – 4 November
  • Trader Joe’s: 1 lb; 13 September – 4 November
  • Wegmans: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb; 14 September – 2 November
  • Healthy Pantry: 1lb, 2lb; 16 September – 7 November

How many people were affected?

The CDC reported 39 E. coli cases in 18 states in connection with the outbreak. One person has died and 15 have been hospitalized, the agency said.

E. coli poisoning symptoms

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of humans and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested, says the CDC.

According to the USDA, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These may include:

  • Dehydration
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever

In rare cases, some people, especially older adults and children under the age of 5, can develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by easy bruising, paleness, and decreased urine production. These people should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

The agency recommended seeking immediate medical attention if a person experiences:

  • Feeling dizzy when standing up
  • Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that does not improve
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you can’t keep fluids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Not peeing much
    • Dry mouth and throat

The story has been updated to clarify the number of states affected.