BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health officials are warning consumers of an E. coli outbreak linked to organic whole and baby carrots.
According to the CDC, 39 cases of E. coli 0121 linked to the consumption of tainted carrots have been reported throughout the country, including one case in Pennsylvania.
Overall, the CDC reports that 18 states have reported cases of E. coli linked to the organic carrots, with 15 hospitalizations and one death linked to the outbreak.
Some of the brands affected by the recall include products available at stores throughout the Lehigh Valley, such as ShopRite, Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans and Target.
On Nov. 16, Grimmway Farms recalled multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots, the CDC states, adding that the products are likely no longer carried in stores, though they may still be customers’ homes.
Stores that carry brands
Some of the brands affected by the recall include products available at stores throughout the Lehigh Valley, such as ShopRite, Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans and Target.
Recalled organic baby carrots show best-if-used-by dates ranging from 9/11/2024 to 11/12/2024, and include the following brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O-Organic, President's Choice, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry.
Recalled whole organic carrots were available for purchase in stores from 8/14/2024 through 10/23/2024, have no best-if-used-by dates, and include the following brands: 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.
The CDC and FDA are advising consumers not to eat any recalled carrots, and to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled carrots, which should be thrown away.
Symptoms
Items or surfaces that have come into contact with the recalled carrots should be washed with hot, soapy water or run through a dishwasher.
Severe E. coli symptoms that would require medical attention include diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees — including diarrhea lasting for more than three days without improving and/or bloody diarrhea — so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration, including reduced urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
Most individuals infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli will experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Symptoms tend to start showing within three to four days after swallowing the bacteria, though incubation can range from 24 hours to as much as 10 days.
Some patients may develop serious kidney problems, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, and would need to be hospitalized.
Then announcement comes just shy of the Thanksgiving holiday, when carrots — prepared glazed, roasted, or included in other dishes — are a popular menu choice.
Individuals can find specific details about affected brands, including images of packaging, on the FDA's website.
