CDC Recalls Carrots After E. Coli Outbreak

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Organic carrots and baby carrots sold across the United States are being recalled following an E. coli outbreak linked to Grimmway Farms products, which has resulted in one death and 15 hospitalizations. On November 17, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged the outbreak, which involves organic carrots sold by Grimmway Farms to major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods 365, Walmart’s Marketside, and Target’s Good & Gather brands.

So far, 39 cases have been reported across 18 states, the CDC confirmed. Consumers are advised not to eat any recalled carrots and to thoroughly clean any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the vegetables using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. While the carrots are unlikely to remain on store shelves, the CDC emphasized that they may still be in consumers’ homes and should be discarded immediately.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that Grimmway Farms voluntarily issued the recall, which also affects stores in Canada and Puerto Rico. The recalled whole organic carrots have “best-if-used-by” dates ranging from August 14 to October 23, while the baby carrots have dates from September 11 to November 12.

Grimmway Farms, based in California, is reviewing its growing, harvesting, and processing practices in collaboration with suppliers and health authorities. The company, previously family-owned, was sold to private equity firm Teays River Investments in 2020.

E. coli symptoms, including dehydration, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever, typically appear two to eight days after exposure. Most individuals recover within five to seven days without treatment. However, in rare cases—particularly among older adults and children under five—E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure marked by easy bruising, pallor, and reduced urine output. Those experiencing such symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.