Guide to the Organic Carrot Recall Due to E. coli O121:H19 Outbreak
Introduction
In November 2024, a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 infections was linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California. This guide provides essential information on the recall, affected products, symptoms of the infection, and steps consumers should take to ensure their safety.
Affected Products
The recall initiated by Grimmway Farms on November 16, 2024, includes multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots. Here are some of the key products involved:
Bunny Luv: 50-lb bags of organic whole carrots
Cal-Organic: 15-lb and 50-lb bags of organic whole carrots
Good & Gather: 1-lb bags of organic whole carrots
Organic Baby Carrots: Various brands with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024[1][4][5].
These products were shipped to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico and were available for purchase from August 14 through October 23, 2024, for whole carrots, and from September 11 through November 12, 2024, for baby carrots.
Recall Expansion and Additional Products
The recall was expanded on November 21, 2024, to include additional bag sizes for organic whole carrots. Other companies, such as 4Earth Farms, also recalled products that used or repackaged the recalled carrots from Grimmway Farms. These include Organic Vegetable Medley, Conventional Vegetable Medley, and Organic Whole Carrots[1][4].
Outbreak Details
As of December 18, 2024, the outbreak resulted in 48 illnesses in 19 states and one reported death. Of the 47 people with available information, 20 were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure[1].
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
Symptoms of E. coli O121:H19 infection typically start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria and can include:
Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
Bloody diarrhea
Severe vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up[4][5].
Consumer Advice
To protect yourself and your family, follow these steps:
Check Your Refrigerators and Freezers: Look for any recalled bagged organic carrots and dispose of them immediately.
Do Not Eat Recalled Carrots: Avoid consuming any of the recalled organic whole or baby carrots.
Clean and Sanitize: Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled organic carrots using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Seek Medical Attention: If you experience severe symptoms of E. coli infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately and inform them about what you ate[4][5].
Business Guidance
Businesses should not use any recalled bagged organic carrots in their operations. Ensure that all recalled products are removed from inventory and disposed of properly.
Key Facts
Supplier: Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California.
Products Affected: Multiple brands and sizes of bagged organic whole and baby carrots.
Recall Dates: Initial recall on November 16, 2024, with expansions on November 21 and subsequent recalls by other companies.
Outbreak Impact: 48 illnesses in 19 states, one reported death, 20 hospitalizations, and one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) as of December 18, 2024.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting, and signs of dehydration.
Consumer Action: Dispose of recalled carrots, clean and sanitize surfaces, and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Business Action: Remove recalled products from inventory and do not use them in operations[1][4][5].
