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Organic Carrots Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

Products were recalled nationwide from Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, others

Aaron Kassraie

Published November 18, 2024

Getty Images

Public health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak tied to several brands of organic carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California. While the contaminated carrots are unlikely to still be available in stores, they may remain in consumers' homes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned.

As of Nov. 17, there have been 39 infections traced to the outbreak in 18 states, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one death in California. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept. 6 to Oct. 28.

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The actual number of cases is likely higher, as many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested for E. coli, said the CDC. The agency also noted that more recent cases, as well as infections in additional states, may not yet be reported because it typically takes three to four weeks to determine if an illness is linked to the outbreak.

The illnesses occurred in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

Advice to consumers

Check your refrigerators or freezers for any of the recalled carrots and throw them away.

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled carrots using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Call your healthcare provider if you experience severe E. coli symptoms.

The recalled carrots

The following products were shipped to retail distribution centers nationwide in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. Many of the products include store-brands national and regionally recognized stores such as Albertsons, Food Lion, Giant, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wegman and Whole Foods.

Organic whole carrots

These products were on sale from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23. No best-if-used-by-dates were printed on the bags they were sold in.

365 (Whole Foods): 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bags
Bunny Luv: 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, and 25-pound bags
Cal-Organic: 1-, 2-, 5-, 6-, 10-, and 25-pound bags
Compliments: 2-pound bag
Full Circle: 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bags
Good & Gather (Target): 2-pound bags
GreenWise (Publix): 1- and 25-pound bags
Marketside (Walmart): 2-pound bags
Nature’s Promise (Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, Stop & Shop): 1- and 5-pound bags
O-Organics (Albertsons, Safeway): 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-pound bags
President’s Choice: 2-pound bags
Simple Truth (Kroger, Fred Meyers, Harris Teeter, Ralphs): 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bags
Trader Joe's: 1-pound bags
Wegmans: 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bags
Wholesome Pantry (ShopRite): 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bags

Organic baby carrots

365 (Whole Foods): 12-ounce, 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by dates of Sept. 11 through Nov. 2
Bunny Luv: 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 11 through Nov. 12
Cal-Organic: 12-ounce, 1- and 2-pound bags, 2-pack (2-pound bags); best if used by Sept. 11 through Nov. 2
Compliments: 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 14 through Oct. 24
Full Circle: 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 14 through Oct. 24
Good & Gather (Target): 12-ounce and 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 14 through Oct. 24
GreenWise (Publix): 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 14 through Nov. 2
Grimmway Farms: 25-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 11 through Oct. 26
Marketside (Walmart): 12-ounce, 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 11 through Nov. 2
Nature’s Promise (Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, Stop & Shop): 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 11 through Nov. 2
President’s Choice: 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 11 through Nov. 2
Raleys: 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 14 through Oct. 23
Simple Truth (Kroger, Fred Meyers, Harris Teeter, Ralphs): 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 14 through Nov. 2
Sprouts: 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 13 through Nov. 4
Trader Joe’s: 1-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 13 through Nov. 4
Wegmans: 12-ounce, 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by: Sept. 14 through Nov. 2
Wholesome Pantry (ShopRite): 1- and 2-pound bags; best if used by Sept. 16 through Nov. 7

Consumers with questions may contact the Grimmway Farms customer service desk at 800-301-3101.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection

Most people with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, like the strain identified in this outbreak, experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most infected people recover within a week. Standard care includes rehydration and other supportive measures to alleviate symptoms. Some people may develop a more serious infection resulting in hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

The CDC is urging anyone experiencing severe E. coli symptoms to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms that require medical attention include diarrhea that lasts more than three days without improvement, is bloody, or is accompanied by a fever over 102degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, if vomiting is severe enough that you can’t keep liquids down, or if you show signs of dehydration — such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing — you should seek care right away.

Aaron Kassraie writes about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Kassraie previously covered U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent for the Kuwait News Agency’s Washington bureau and worked in news gathering for USA Today and Al Jazeera English. 

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