Grimmway Farms has recalled multiple sizes and brands of organic whole and baby carrots following a deadly E. coli outbreak that has impacted at least 18 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Sunday. The recall encompasses bagged carrots sold under various labels at major retailers such as Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Nature's Promise.
The CDC reported 39 confirmed E. coli cases, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one death in California. Patients affected by the outbreak range from as young as one to as old as 75. Health officials warned that the scope of the outbreak might be wider since many individuals recover without medical intervention and are not tested.
The outbreak has been traced to the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain O121:H19 , known to cause severe and potentially fatal infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The contamination is believed to have occurred within Grimmway Farms' production process, though none of the recalled carrots have tested positive for E. coli so far. In response, Grimmway Farms issued a broad recall, urging consumers to discard any affected carrots and thoroughly clean surfaces they may have contacted.
Grimmway Farms CEO Jeff Huckaby emphasized the company's commitment to safety, stating, "The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest, and processing practices." The recalled products include both organic whole and baby carrots sold in various bag sizes under labels like Bunny Luv, Simple Truth, and President's Choice, among others. Retailers stocked these products from mid-August through October 23.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC have advised consumers to check their refrigerators for potentially contaminated carrots, which may have been purchased weeks or even months ago. Infected individuals typically experience symptoms like severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting within three to four days of exposure. More severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure. The CDC urges individuals with persistent diarrhea, high fever, or symptoms of dehydration to seek medical attention promptly.
Washington state leads the number of reported cases with eight, followed by Minnesota and New York, each with five. Other states reporting cases include California, Oregon, New Jersey, South Carolina, Arkansas, Colorado, and more. The CDC highlighted that, due to underreporting and symptom variance, the true number of cases could be significantly higher.
The outbreak has stirred memories of recent foodborne illness outbreaks tied to other products, including McDonald's Quarter Pounders linked to slivered onions contaminated with E. coli, which sickened 104 individuals across 14 states and resulted in one fatality. This new carrot-linked outbreak underscores ongoing concerns about food safety in the U.S. food supply chain.
