FDA Investigates Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Carrots Sold at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and More

On By Littum

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an outbreak investigation into whole and baby carrots that may have been contaminated with Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli bacteria. The investigation follows a voluntary recall of several brands of carrots issued by Grimmway Farms on November 16 after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that these products may be linked to a deadly outbreak of E. coli infections.

The affected carrots were sold nationwide at stores including Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wegmans and Whole Foods, to name just a few. So far, 39 illnesses have been reported, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one death.

Products affected by organic carrot recall

The FDA and Grimmway Farms list the following brands of organic whole carrots as part of the recall and outbreak investigation: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, President’s Choice , Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry. The recalled carrots were available for purchase from August 14 to October 23. The following products are included in the recall:

Whole organic carrots
Mark Bag sizes
365 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
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 lb. 25 lbs
Market page 2 lbs
Nature’s promise 1 lb., 5 lb
O-Organics 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb
The President’s election 2 lbs
Simple truth 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Trader Joe’s 1 lb
Wegmans 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
Healthy Pantry 1lb, 2lb, 5lb

Additionally, the recall includes cut and peeled organic baby carrots with “Best if Used By” dates from September 11 to November 12 under the following brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Kroger, LIDL, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry. The following products are included in the recall:

Organic baby carrots
Mark Bag sizes “Best if used by” dates
365 12oz, 1lb, 2lb 11 September 24 to 2 November 24
Bunny Luv 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb 11. 24 September to 12. 24 November
Cal organic 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb, 2 pk/2 lbs 11 September 24 to 2 November 24
Compliments 1 lb 14 September 24 to 24 October 24
Full circle 1 lb 14 September 24 to 24 October 24
Good & Collect 12 oz., 1 lb 14 September 24 to 2 November 24
GreenWise 1 lb 11 September 24 to 26 October 24
Grimmway Farms 25lb bag Sep 11 24 to Oct 03 24
Market page 12oz, 1lb, 2lb 11 September 24 to 2 November 24
Nature’s promise 1 lb 13 September 24 to 25 October 24
O-Organics 12oz, 1lb, 2lb 11 September 24 to 2 November 24
The President’s election 1 lb., 2 lb 11 September 24 to 2 November 24
Raley’s 1 lb 14 September 24 to 23 October 24
Simple truth 1 lb., 2 lb 14 September 24 to 2 November 24
Sprouts 1 lb., 2 lb 13 September 24 to 4 November 24
Trader Joe’s 1 lb 13 September 24 to 4 November 24
Wegmans 12oz, 1lb, 2lb 14 September 24 to 2 November 24
Healthy Pantry 1 lb., 2 lb 16. 24 September to 07. 24 November

A complete list of product images at FDA website.

The recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. So far, 18 states have reported cases of E. coli infection: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

At this point, the carrots are likely no longer available for sale, but the FDA is concerned that they may still be in consumers’ refrigerators. According to the FDAif you have these carrots in your home, you should not consume them. Throw them away and clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched. The CDC recommends that you call your healthcare provider if you think you might have E.coli symptoms.

Symptoms may include (but are not limited to) abdominal cramps, diarrhea, excessive vomiting, fever above 102 degrees F (39 degrees C), and/or dizziness, which typically starts three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, although the incubation period can be as long as from 24 hours to 10 days. Most people recover on their own without treatment. However, serious complications can develop, so it is important to consult your doctor if any concerns arise.

Consumers with questions about this recall may contact Grimmway Farms Customer Service at 1-800-301-3101, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, or visit www.grimmway.com.