Authorities in the United States have initiated a recall of organic carrots and baby carrots following E. coli outbreaks, which resulted in the death of one person.
So far, 15 people have been hospitalized, with a total of 39 reported cases across 18 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Most cases are concentrated in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, followed by California and Oregon, as reported by the BBC.
The recall involves bagged carrots sold by Grimmway Farms in major supermarkets such as Trader Joe’s, 365 (Whole Foods), Good & Gather (Target), Marketside (Walmart), Wegmans, and others.
The CDC noted that the recalled organic carrots have no expiration date. They were available for purchase from August 14 to October 23. Additionally, organic baby carrots with best-before dates from September 11 to November 12 are being recalled.
According to officials, the carrots may no longer be available in stores but could still be present in consumers’ homes. They should either be discarded or returned to the store for a refund. Consumers are advised to clean and disinfect any surfaces where the carrots may have been placed.
E. coli symptoms include severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically beginning three to four days after consuming the bacteria.
Most individuals recover without treatment, but some may develop severe kidney complications requiring hospitalization.
In a similar E. coli outbreak in October, onions used in McDonald’s burgers were linked to infections. One person died, and 34 others required hospitalization, with a total of 101 reported cases.
