CA Resident Dies, More Sick From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots: Recall

CALIFORNIA—Public health officials are investigating a multi-state E. coli outbreak that has been tied to multiple brands of recalled organic carrots. The outbreak has killed one person in California and sickened at least 15 other Golden State residents.

Grimmway Farms recalled multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots Saturday because they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The carrots were sold at several retailers, including Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Raley's and Whole Foods.

A total of 39 people have gotten sick nationwide after contracting E. coli from this outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The recalled carrots should no longer be available for purchase but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers," the Food and Drug Administration said.

For bags of organic baby carrots, the best-if-used-by date ranged from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12. Brands selling these carrots included 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O-Organic, President's Choice, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.

Packages of whole organic carrots were available for purchase in stores from Aug. 14 to Oct. 23, according to the CDC. The brands distributing these carrots included 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, and Wholesome Pantry.

There were no best-if-used-by dates on the bags of organic whole carrots, according to the recall notice.

Consumers have been asked not to eat these carrots if they still have some in their refrigerator or freezer. The carrots should either be thrown out or returned to the store of purchase. Also, the CDC advised consumers to wash any items or surfaces the recalled carrots may have touched with hot soapy water or the dishwasher.

E. coli can cause severe symptoms, including high fever, diarrhea, consistent vomiting and dehydration. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms was advised to call their healthcare provider.

Illnesses have also been reported in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Arkansas, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.

The CDC also said the actual number of sick people in the outbreak is likely much higher than reported, as it takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if an ill person is part of an outbreak.