Carrot Recall: 19 Brands Affected by E. coli Contamination in Major Stores
According to Newsweek , Grimmway Farms has issued a recall for some of its organic whole and baby carrots, impacting 19 brands in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada due to potential contamination with E. coli O121
, a strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. The recall was voluntarily initiated after concerns arose over the bacterium, which can cause severe illness or even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
E. coli O121
infections can lead to serious conditions, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurological complications. Symptoms of infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), fever, nausea, and vomiting.
The affected carrots have likely been removed from store shelves, but Grimmway Farms warns that some consumers may still have them in their homes. The recall follows reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linking the carrots to a growing outbreak, which as of the latest update has led to 39 reported illnesses and one death.
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Consumers who purchased any of the affected carrots are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should discard the products and clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated items. The company is urging consumers to contact a healthcare professional if they experience symptoms of E. coli infection.
In a statement, Grimmway Farms emphasized its commitment to food safety, with President and CEO Jeff Huckaby stating that the company is conducting a comprehensive review of its growing, harvesting, and processing procedures. The company is working closely with suppliers and health authorities to ensure that the issue is thoroughly addressed.