E coli Outbreak Prompts Nationwide Recall of Organic Carrots

Number of Sick People

Light green- 1 to 3

Dark green- 3 to 4

Blue- 5 to 8

Image credit: CDC

The FDA and the CDC, in collaboration with state and local health authorities, are investigating an outbreak of E coli O121:H9 infections linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California. As of November 15, 2024, the outbreak has affected at least 39 individuals across multiple states, with 15 hospitalizations and one confirmed death.¹

In response to the outbreak, Grimmway Farms has voluntarily recalled multiple brands and sizes of bagged organic carrots distributed nationwide. The recall affects organic whole carrots sold between August 14 and October 23, 2024, and organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.¹

Sample product image

Image credit: FDA

Affected Products

The recalled organic carrots were sold under various brand names, including 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry. These products were distributed to retail stores across the US and Canada but are likely no longer available for sale in stores.

Details of the recall include:

Organic Whole Carrots: Sold in various bag sizes (1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb) from brands such as 365, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature's Promise, and others. These carrots were sold from August 14 through October 23, 2024,

Organic Baby Carrots: Available in bag sizes ranging from 12oz to 2lb, with best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12, 2024. Brands affected include Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Kroger, LIDL, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O Organic, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of these recalled products and dispose of them immediately. If you are uncertain about the brand or packaging of the carrots, the FDA recommends discarding the product as a precautionary measure.

Symptoms of E coli Infection

Consumers who have consumed the recalled carrots should be aware of the symptoms of E coli infection, which can include:²

-Severe stomach cramps

-Diarrhea (often bloody)

-Fever

-Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms may begin within a few days to up to nine days after consuming contaminated food. In some cases, E coli infections can lead to more serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, as well as long-term health problems such as high blood pressure and neurological issues.²

Investigation and Recommendations

As part of their investigation, the FDA has traced the source of contamination to Grimmway Farms. Of the 27 individuals interviewed as part of the outbreak investigation, 26 (96%) reported eating carrots before becoming ill, reinforcing the link between the outbreak and the affected carrot products.

Although the recalled products are likely no longer on store shelves, carrots can remain viable in consumers' homes for an extended period when refrigerated or frozen. Retailers and distributors who may still have recalled products in inventory are instructed to discard them and notify their customers.

For any retailers unable to confirm whether they received the recalled products, the FDA recommends discarding the contents of the bins and cleaning and sanitizing them thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination. The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the contamination's source and whether additional products may be involved. Updates to the advisory will be provided as new information becomes available.

References

1. FDA. Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H9: Organic Carrots (November 2024). November 17, 2024. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h9-organic-carrots-november-2024

2. FDA. Escherichia coli (E. coli). March 28, 2029. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/escherichia-coli-e-coli