Deadly outbreak of E. coli infections traced to organic carrots; dozens of brands recalled

A new outbreak of E. Coli infections is under investigation by the FDA. As a result, dozens of brands of organic carrots and organic baby carrots have been recalled. As of Nov. 17 one person had died.

In connection with the outbreak, Grimmway Farms has recalled 35 brands and weight sizes of organic carrots and baby carrots. For photos and label information of the recalled carrots, click here. The recalled carrots were distributed nationwide and include popular brands sold at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts and other retailers. Bunny Luv is among the recalled brands.

The Food and Drug Administration reported the outbreak on Nov. 17, saying that there are 39 confirmed patients. Fifteen patients have required hospitalization and one has died. So far, 27 patients have been interviewed, with 26 of them reporting eating eating carrots before becoming ill. Patients got sick beginning the first week of September. The patient with the most recent symptom onset became ill on Oct. 27, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   

Patients live in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, but the recalled carrots were distributed nationwide.

The true number of patients is likely much higher than those confirmed at this time. The CDC reports that for every confirmed patient in an E. coli outbreak, 26 go unreported. This is because some people do not seek medical attention and others are not specifically tested for E.coli infection.

The FDA’s traceback investigation identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier of the organic whole and baby carrots in this outbreak. On Nov. 16, Grimmway Farms initiated a recall of multiple quantities and brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots and contacted their distributing customers. 

The retail-packaged organic whole carrots were in stores for purchase from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23. The organic baby carrots have different best-if-used-by-dates ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 12.

“Although product is likely no longer on the market, carrots can last a long time when refrigerated or frozen. Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers and discard these recalled products,” according to the FDA outbreak notice.

Recalled organic whole carrots were available for purchase at retail from Aug.14 through Oct. 23 and include the following brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.

Recalled organic baby carrots include specific best-if-used-by dates printed on the bags ranging from Sept.11 to Nov. 12 and include the following brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Kroger, LIDL, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.

About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled carrots and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/11/deadly-outbreak-of-e-coli-infections-traced-to-organic-carrots-dozens-of-brands-recalled/