18-112024 (ATLANTA) Federal health authorities have reported a widespread E. coli outbreak connected to contaminated organic carrots that has resulted in one fatality and sickened at least 38 people across 18 American states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed on Sunday that infections were documented between 6 September and 28 October, with Washington, Minnesota, and New York recording the highest number of cases. Health officials cautioned that the actual scope of the outbreak could be substantially larger, as many affected individuals typically recover without seeking medical attention or testing.
Grimmway Farms, one of the world’s leading carrot producers, has initiated a comprehensive recall of its organic baby and whole carrots following investigations that identified the company as the common source of contaminated produce. The recall encompasses products with best-if-used-by dates ranging from 11 September to 12 November for baby carrots, and whole organic carrots sold between 14 August and 23 October.
The affected products were distributed under various retail brands, including Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Sprouts, 365 from Whole Foods, Good & Gather from Target, and multiple other major supermarket chains’ private labels.
While the recalled items are unlikely to remain on store shelves, Grimmway Farms has advised consumers to dispose of any potentially contaminated carrots in their possession and thoroughly sanitise any surfaces that may have come into contact with the products. The California-based company confirmed that the implicated farming operations have ceased production.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the contamination involves Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which can cause various illnesses ranging from diarrhoea to more severe conditions. While symptoms typically manifest within three to four days of exposure, most patients recover naturally within a week.
The CDC noted that though E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal kidney condition, none of the current cases have developed this complication. However, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
