Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Leads to Recall of Bagged Organic Baby and Whole Carrots

A recent multistate E. coli outbreak has prompted the recall of various brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. The recall, initiated by California-based Grimmway Farms on November 16, 2024, involves multiple sizes and brands of carrots sold at popular grocery stores such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Target.

The affected products include bagged organic baby carrots with best-if-used by dates ranging from September 11, 2024, to November 12, 2024, and whole organic carrots that were available for purchase between August 14, 2024, and October 23, 2024. The list of recalled brands is extensive and includes 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, Wegman’s, and Wholesome Pantry.

The outbreak has resulted in significant health impacts, with 39 people sickened across 18 states, including several parts of the Midwest. Fifteen of those individuals were hospitalized, and one person has died. The states affected include Washington, Oregon, California, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York.

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for the recalled products, as they may still be present in homes despite no longer being sold in stores. Symptoms of E. coli infection, which typically start three to four days after consumption, include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Individuals with severe symptoms should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about what they ate.

This outbreak is part of a series of recent E. coli incidents, including an outbreak linked to slivered onions at McDonald's in October and another linked to lettuce in the U.K. in June. Despite these incidents, experts emphasize that the overall food supply is generally safe, although there has been little progress in reducing E. coli infections.