The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 39 cases of illness spanning 18 states, with 15 hospitalizations and one reported death.
The recall involves products distributed by Grimmway Farms, sold under various labels at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods’s 365, Target’s Good & Gather, Walmart’s Marketside, Wegmans, and others. Affected items include:
Organic Whole Carrots: Sold from August 14 to October 23, with no best-by date printed on the bags.
Organic Baby Carrots: The recall includes organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12.
Consumers are advised to discard these products or return them to stores for refunds. Additionally, the CDC recommends thoroughly cleaning any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled items to prevent cross-contamination.
Most cases have been reported in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with additional reports from California and Oregon.
Symptoms of E. coli O121 infection typically begin three to four days after exposure and may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. While many recover without treatment, severe cases can lead to kidney failure and require hospitalization.
The CDC and FDA urge consumers to check their homes for affected products and practice caution. The CDC advised that while the affected carrots might not be in stores anymore, they could still be found in people's homes.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)
