Grimmway Farms Expands Carrot Recall Amid E. coli Concerns

Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, issued a voluntary recall of multiple brands and sizes of organic whole and baby carrots due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The recall, announced on November 16, 2024, affects products distributed nationwide in the United States, Puerto Rico, and several international markets, including Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Grimmway Farms, the recalled organic whole carrots were available for purchase at retail stores from August 14 through October 23, 2024. The organic baby carrots have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024. These products, although likely no longer available for sale in stores, may still be in consumers’ homes, refrigerated or frozen.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is conducting an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 infections linked to these carrots. Initial reports indicate that out of 27 individuals interviewed, 26 reported consuming carrots prior to falling ill. The outbreak has resulted in at least 15 hospitalizations and one fatality, affecting 39 individuals in 18 states.

Additional companies have also initiated recalls due to repackaging or use of Grimmway Farms’ recalled carrots in their products. Notable among these is F&S Fresh Foods, which recalled 15-ounce containers of Whole Foods Market-branded organic carrot sticks and organic carrot & celery sticks sold in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada.

The bacteria, E. coli, can lead to severe illness characterized by stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. More severe cases may progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening kidney condition.

In this instance, food safety authorities and Grimmway Farms urge consumers to check their homes for these products. Any bags of carrots identified in the recall should be discarded to prevent illness. Retailers and distributors should ensure surfaces and containers in contact with recalled products are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.

The FDA continues to trace back the source of contamination and will update the public as more information becomes available. Consumers experiencing symptoms after consuming these products are advised to contact healthcare providers.