Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Carrots Amid E. coli Outbreak Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, is actively investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 infections linked to organic whole and baby carrots. The source of these carrots is Grimmway Farms, located in Bakersfield, California.

According to federal health agencies, symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The onset of symptoms can occur anywhere from a few days to nine days after consuming contaminated food. In severe cases, infection can lead to conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which may result in kidney failure, high blood pressure, and other chronic health issues.

The investigation, which has involved interviews conducted by public health officials, found that 96% of the people affected reported consuming carrots prior to falling ill. As a result, FDA’s traceback efforts identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier for the contaminated organic carrots.

On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms voluntarily recalled multiple sizes and brands of their bagged organic whole and baby carrots. The recalled products, which were distributed nationwide including Puerto Rico and Canada, include brands such as 365 Whole Foods Market, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Good & Gather, and O Organic. Though these products are likely no longer available in stores, they may still be present in consumers’ homes, particularly if refrigerated or frozen.

The recall list features organic whole carrots sold without a best-if-used-by date and organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024. The products were available in varying sizes and were sold from August 14 through October 23, 2024, for whole carrots, and from September 11 to November 12, 2024, for baby carrots.

The FDA advises distributors, retailers, and consumers to meticulously clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled carrots to prevent cross-contamination. Consumers experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection are urged to contact their healthcare providers. Further details on the recall can be viewed on the FDA’s official website.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is among the agencies warning the public about the recall, as the affected carrot brands were sold at numerous U.S. locations, including supermarkets and retailers in Hawaii.