Guide to the Costco Carrot Recall Due to E. coli Contamination
Introduction
In recent weeks, a significant recall has been issued for organic whole and baby carrots sold at various retailers, including Costco, due to an E. coli outbreak. This guide will help you understand the scope of the recall, the affected products, and the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
The E. coli Outbreak
The outbreak has resulted in 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death across 18 states in the U.S.[2][3][4].
The affected states include Washington, Oregon, California, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Affected Products
The recall involves a wide range of organic whole and baby carrot products sold under multiple brand names. Here are some of the key brands and products affected:
Organic Whole Carrots
Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry
Bag Sizes: Varying sizes including 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, and 25lb
Purchase Dates: These carrots were purchased at retailers from August 14 through October 23[1][3][4].
Organic Baby Carrots
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, Wholesome Pantry
Bag Sizes: Varying sizes including 12oz, 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, and 5lb
Best-If-Used-By Dates: Ranging from September 11 through November 12[1][3][4].
Retailers Involved
The recalled carrots were sold at numerous popular retailers, including:
Costco
Walmart
Kroger
Sprouts
Target
Trader Joe’s
Wegmans
Whole Foods
And many others[1][2][4].
Actions to Take
If you have any of the recalled carrot products in your refrigerator or freezer, it is crucial to take the following steps:
Dispose of the Carrots: Immediately discard any of the recalled carrot products to avoid the risk of E. coli infection.
Return for Refund: You can also return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Check Your Storage: Ensure you check both your refrigerator and freezer for any of the recalled products.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
E. coli bacteria can cause serious infections with symptoms including:
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever If you believe you may be sick after consuming the impacted carrots, contact your doctor as soon as possible[1][2][3].
Additional Information
The carrots are no longer available in stores, but consumers are advised to check their homes for any recalled products[2][3][4].
For questions about this recall and outbreak, you can contact your local FDA Complaint Coordinator.
Most Important Facts About the Costco Carrot Recall
E. coli Outbreak: 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death reported across 18 states.
Affected Products: Organic whole and baby carrots sold under multiple brands including 365, Cal-Organic, Nature’s Promise, and others.
Retailers: Sold at Costco, Walmart, Kroger, Sprouts, Target, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and more.
Purchase Dates: August 14 through October 23 for whole carrots; best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12 for baby carrots.
Actions: Dispose of or return recalled products; check refrigerators and freezers.
