A widespread recall of carrots and baby carrots sold under multiple brand names has been issued across the United States after the vegetables were linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak. At least 39 people have fallen ill, with 15 hospitalized and one reported death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Grimmway Farms, the California-based supplier at the center of the recall, has been identified as the source of the contaminated produce.
The affected carrots, distributed to major retailers including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and others, were sold between August and October under brand names like 365 by Whole Foods Market, Bunny Luv, Nature's Promise, and Sprouts, among others. The recall involves whole organic carrots without best-by dates and baby carrots marked with dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to check their homes for these products and dispose of them immediately.
Grimmway Farms stated that it is reviewing its growing, harvesting, and processing practices to identify the source of contamination. The company is working closely with health authorities and suppliers to prevent future outbreaks. The carrots were also distributed to Canada and Puerto Rico, expanding the potential impact of the recall.
The CDC emphasized that although the recalled carrots are unlikely to still be on store shelves, they may remain in household refrigerators and should not be consumed. "People should throw out any recalled carrots, even if they plan to cook them," a CDC spokesperson advised. Cooking to an internal temperature of at least 160°F can kill E. coli bacteria, but the CDC warns against consuming any recalled product due to cross-contamination risks.
E. coli infections can cause severe health problems, including dehydration, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, with symptoms typically appearing three to four days after exposure. The strain implicated in this outbreak can also lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal kidney failure complication. Consumers experiencing severe symptoms are urged to seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about any recalled food consumption.
This recall follows a separate recent E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald's Quarter Pounders, which sickened more than 100 people and resulted in one death. In that case, raw slivered onions were identified as the likely source. Other recent outbreaks include a fatal E. coli incident linked to lettuce in the U.K. and another involving organic walnuts in 19 U.S. states.
Health officials continue to monitor the current outbreak and investigate possible sources of contamination. States most affected by the carrot-related outbreak include New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with cases also reported in California, Oregon, and 14 other states. The CDC has published a full list of states affected and brands involved in the recall on its website.
The contamination has highlighted ongoing challenges in preventing E. coli infections in the food supply chain. Despite stringent safety measures, recent outbreaks have demonstrated vulnerabilities in produce handling and distribution. "Our food supply is generally safe, but outbreaks like these remind us of the importance of vigilance and continuous improvement in food safety practices," said a spokesperson for the FDA.
