Image by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds E. coli in organic carrots as the source of a recent and ongoing outbreak of E. coli O121:H19.
Consumers and retailers are urged to “no eat or serve multiple brands of recalled bagged organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms.”
Here’s what we know about the outbreak of E. coli in Organic Carrots.
So far there have been at least 39 associated cases in this outbreak across 18 states. There have been 15 hospitalizations and at least one death reported. According to the FDA, the last date of illness onset was October 28, 2024.
States with these linked cases include Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
When a cluster of illnesses is identified with the same foodborne pathogen, especially when these illnesses take place across multiple states, it prompts an FDA investigation.
Part of this investigation of foodborne illnesses involves tracking down the food source so that it can be taken off the market as quickly as possible. This helps reduce the number of future illnesses associated with the product.
This is mostly done through interview data.
Those involved in a foodborne outbreak are asked what foods they ate, where they got them, and their activities over the weeks prior to becoming sick. This information is compared to data collected from unaffected people.
In this case, 27 of those sickened in the outbreak have been interviewed so far. All but one reported eating carrots.
Based on patient purchases and other traceback investigation activities, Grimmway Farms was identified as the common supplier of organic whole and baby carrots in this outbreak.
On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of multiple packages, brands, and varieties of bagged organic whole and baby carrots.
Organic Whole Carrot Products Included in the Recall:
Organic Baby Carrot Products Included in the Recall:
These products were shipped to retail locations nationwide and were available for purchase in stores from August 14, 2024 through October 23, 2024. Packages are marked with a “best-if-used-by” date ranging from September 11, 2024 through November 12, 2024.
The FDA is working with Grimmway Farms to determine the source of the contamination and if additional products may need to be added to this list.
While the product is no longer available for purchase and is past the manufacturer’s indicated best-if-used-by dates, carrots keep for a long time.
If refrigerated or frozen, these carrots may remain in consumers homes well past those dates.
E. coli causes a gastrointestinal illness with potentially serious, life-threatening complications.
While anyone can become sick from consuming something contaminated with E. coli, some people are more likely to become infected if exposed or experience serious illness if infected. The very young (under 5 years old), those over 65, and people with a compromised immune system are at the highest risk of becoming sick from E. coli in organic carrots in this outbreak.
The most common symptoms of E. coli infections include:
Call your doctor if you have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than two days, have bloody poop or pee, fever higher than 102° F, signs of dehydration, or signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, can be triggered by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections.
This complication occurs when the bacteria break down the red blood cells. These blood cell fragments clog the filtering activities in the kidney. Unable to perform properly, the kidney can fail. This can result in permanent health problems or even death.
Signs of HUS include:
About 5 to 10% of those infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli develop HUS.
People with HUS require hospitalization to monitor their kidneys and for other complications.
While most people recover within a few weeks with prompt medical care, others may suffer more permanent damage or even death from HUS related complications.
If you have symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection, you may be wondering what you should do.
Symptoms associated with intestinal illness can cause dehydration. This can lead to other complications.
Drink plenty of fluids, avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, and monitor your symptoms. If you experience dizziness upon standing, dry mouth or through, decreased and/or dark urine, or headache, you may be dehydrated.
It is important to report your illness, especially if you may be involved in this outbreak of E. coli in baby carrots and have consumed something not on the existing list.
Investigators are working to determine if the posted list is complete, or if other products may need to be added to the recall.
If you have been affected by E. coli in organic carrots and want advice, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has an E. coli lawyer that can help.
Medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. This can cause serious stress during a time where your focus is on getting better.
If you have become seriously ill from this outbreak of E. coli in organic carrots and wish to make a legal claim for compensation, The Lange Law Firm can help!
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases and they can help you too!
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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