A “severe” health risk has prompted the recall of a popular vegetable that is commonly sold in stores nationwide, including in Missouri.
Grimmway Farms has recently announced a recall of certain batches of their organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots across the country. This recall has been initiated due to a potential contamination of E. coli, as reported by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on November 16. The affected carrots were sold in stores between August 14 and October 23, 2024. Although these products are no longer on the shelves, it’s possible that some consumers may still have them stored in their refrigerators.
The FDA website provides a comprehensive list of organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that are affected by the recall. The recall includes various brands such as 365, Good & Gather, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, Simple Truth, and Trader Joe’s. It is important to refer to the FDA’s website to view the complete list of affected products.
The FDA states that the recall is linked to an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This particular strain of E. coli can lead to severe and potentially fatal infections, especially among young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms of this infection include intense abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been a minimum of 39 cases of illness associated with the outbreak, with 15 individuals requiring hospitalization and one unfortunate death.
If you have any of the affected products, it is strongly advised by the FDA to dispose of them immediately. Additionally, it is crucial to sanitize any surfaces that these products may have come into contact with in order to minimize the risk of falling ill.