An E. coli outbreak has affected many people who consumed bagged organic carrots, leading to one death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 39 people were infected and 15 were hospitalized in 18 states after consuming organic whole and baby carrots from Grimmway Farms in Bakersfield, California. The company has issued a recall for the carrots, which were sold under various brand names such as 365, Cal-Organic, Nature’s Promise, O-Organics, Trader Joe’s, and Wegmans.
Although the contaminated carrots are no longer available in stores, the CDC advises consumers not to eat the recalled bagged carrots and to dispose of any matching the description found in their refrigerators or freezers. Most of the affected individuals reside in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional cases reported in California and Oregon, as well as other states across the country.
Recent months have seen multiple E. coli outbreaks, including one in the U.S. last October that sickened over 100 McDonald’s customers due to slivered onions. In the U.K., a lettuce-related E. coli outbreak in June resulted in one fatality and affected at least 275 people. Additionally, organic walnuts were linked to E. coli infections in 19 states in April.
Despite these recent incidents, experts assure that the food supply remains generally safe, although efforts to reduce E. coli infections have not shown significant progress. The recalled organic baby carrots have best-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, as specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection typically manifest three to four days after exposure to the bacteria and may include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about their recent consumption history, according to the CDC. It is important to note that E. coli can lead to serious or fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, as highlighted by the FDA.
While food safety remains a priority, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Stay updated on the latest news and developments by subscribing to our newsletter for timely updates delivered straight to your inbox.
