Several Carrot Products Recalled in Deadly E. Coli Outbreak

On By Littum

Three products have been added to the organic carrot recall linked to a fatality Escherichia coli (E.coli) outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week.

On Wednesday, F&S Fresh Foods initiated the recall of two Whole Foods Market products — organic carrot sticks and a combo pack of organic carrot sticks and celery — after the supplier, Grimmway Farms, notified them of potential E.coli contamination of the carrots in both packages.

Online retailer Fabalish voluntarily recalled boxes of its Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites on Monday also in connection with E.coli pollution from Grimmway Farms.

The original recall, voluntarily issued Saturday by Grimmway Farms, included bagged organic baby and whole carrots sold at stores such as Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Target that were linked to 39 E.coli infections, including 15 hospitalizations and one death.

The E.coli cases were reported in 18 states, but the recently recalled carrot sticks and celery were sold only at Whole Foods locations in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho and Nevada. Fabalish’s Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites were distributed directly to customers who purchased the product on the company’s website.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recently recalled products.

Like the other recalled products, the affected products should no longer be in stores, but may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

A further three products have been recalled in connection with current E.coli outbreak and Grimmway Farms Carrot Summons.

  • Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites, sold in a 10-ounce orange box with lot code 260925.
  • Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic carrot stickssold in a clam shell with coding information including the letters “GH” followed by three digits from 236-284; best if sold by dates ranging from 9/1/24-10/19/24.
  • Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic carrots and celerysold in a clam shell with coding information including the letters “GH” followed by three digits from 236-284; best if sold by dates ranging from 9/1/24-10/19/24.

Fabalish, Inc. encourages customers to trash the affected products and send a photo to [email protected] for a full refund.

If you find these Whole Foods products in your kitchen, the FDA says don’t eat them — throw them away and clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects they came in contact with. The FDA also recommends that you contact a healthcare provider if you are concerned E.coli infection.

Common symptoms of the disease include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody or watery), vomiting, and low-grade fever. Symptoms are usually felt three to four days after consuming the contaminated food and go away without medical treatment within a week.

Some groups of people have an increased chance of infection and becoming seriously ill, including children under 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age or older, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers. Contact your doctor if you experience severe symptoms, including:

  • Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than two days
  • Damn poop or pee
  • A fever higher than 102°F
  • Signs of dehydration, such as not urinating, having a dry mouth or throat, or dizziness
  • Signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome, including decreased alertness, loss of color in the cheeks, unexplained bruising or small red spots on the skin, irritability or blood in the urine