Nearly 40 people have fallen ill and one has died as a result of a possible E. coli outbreak in organic carrots in the United States. This has led to the recall of whole and baby carrots sold at some of the country’s largest retailers. Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, discontinued its organic whole and organic baby peeled carrots on Saturday (Nov. 16) due to the possibility that the vegetable was contaminated with Escherichia coli, which produces Shiga toxin, according to a report. According to.
While the affected carrots should no longer be available in grocery stores, the product company warned consumers that some may still have them in their kitchens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said organic carrots from Grimmway Farms may be linked to the latest incident, forcing the recall. The FDA’s warning note reads, “Certain infections can lead to serious bloody diarrhea, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurological problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The FDA also reported that 39 illnesses and one death have occurred.
Also read:McDonald’s to spend $100 million to bring back customers after E. coli outbreak
According to Grimmway Farms, customers who purchased organic whole carrots between August 14 and October 23 were advised not to eat them. The company also advises to discard organic baby carrots with best-by-use dates between September 11 and November 12. According to the company, any recalled carrots should be discarded or brought back to the store for a refund.
“If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and keep surfaces they touch clean and sanitized. Consumers concerned about contracting an illness should contact a medical professional,” Grimmway Farms said. Consumers who are concerned about contracting an illness should seek medical attention immediately.
Some of the US-based stores affected by the E. coli outbreak mentioned in the FDA list include Walmart, Kroger, Food Lion, Trader Joe’s, Publix, Whole Foods Market, Albertsons and Canadian chain Loblaws and Complements.
