Organic Carrots Recalled for E. Coli Contamination
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E. Coli Outbreak Tied to Organic Whole and Baby Carrots

People in 18 states have gotten sick and 1 person has died from produce contaminated with E. coli, leading to a nationwide recall from major retailers.
E. Coli Outbreak Tied to Organic Whole and Baby Carrots
Everyday Health
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Published on November 18, 2024
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Organic whole and baby carrots sold throughout the United States are being recalled from major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Target, Whole Foods, and Wegman’s due to an E. coli bacterial outbreak that has sickened 39 people, put 15 in the hospital, and caused 1 death. Illnesses related to this outbreak have been reported in 18 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.

Grimmway Farms issued a recall of the organic carrots on November 16, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a statement.

The carrots are no longer available in stores, but consumers may have them in their refrigerators or freezers. Any recalled carrots should be thrown away, the CDC said, and any items or surfaces that came in contact with them should be washed with hot soapy water.

The recall includes organic baby carrots, with best-if-used-by-dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024, from the following brands:

  • 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Kroger, LIDL, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O Organic, President's Choice, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry

The recall also includes bagged organic whole carrots that do not have a best-by date, but were available for purchase between approximately August 14 and October 23, 2024. The following brands are included in the recall:

  • 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, Wholesome Pantry
Images and bag sizes of the recalled organic carrots can be found on the FDA's website.

What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli Infection?

E. coli infection can lead to the following symptoms, per the CDC:

  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea (often bloody)
  • Vomiting

Symptoms usually start three to four days after ingesting contaminated food or drink. Most people will recover without treatment after five to seven days, but certain groups — including the elderly, the very young, and people with compromised immune systems — may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and could require hospitalization.

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees F
  • Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as: Not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
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Resources
  1. E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 17, 2024.
  2. Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers’ Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 16, 2024.
  3. Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O121:H19: Organic Carrots (November 2024). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 17, 2024.