E. coli outbreak sparks organic carrot recall across 18 states—check your fridge now

If you’ve got organic carrots in your fridge, it’s time to double-check those labels. A recent E. coli outbreak has sparked a major recall affecting multiple brands across 18 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has led to 39 cases, 15 hospitalizations, and tragically, one death. Here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.

Details of the carrot recall

Grimmway Farms has issued a recall for several brands of organic whole and baby carrots. While many of these products might already be off store shelves, they could still be in your home.

Dates to check

• Whole Carrots: Sold between August 14 and October 23, 2024. These do not have best-if-used-by dates.
• Baby Carrots: Best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12, 2024.

If you have any of the recalled products, the CDC advises discarding them immediately. The CDC advises that you clean any surfaces or utensils they touched with hot, soapy water or pop them in the dishwasher.

Related: Waffle recall alert 🚨 Over 40 brands pulled due to Listeria concerns

Which brands are part of the carrot recall?

Recalled whole carrots

• 365: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb
• Bunny Luv: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb
• Cal-Organic: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb, 6 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb
• Compliments: 2 lb
• Full Circle: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb
• Good & Gather: 2 lb
• GreenWise: 1 lb, 25 lb
• Marketside: 2 lb
• Nature’s Promise: 1 lb, 5 lb
• O-Organics: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb
• President’s Choice: 2 lb
• Simple Truth: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb
• Trader Joe’s: 1 lb
• Wegmans: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb
• Wholesome Pantry: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb

Recalled baby carrots

• 365: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb
• Bunny Luv: 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb
• Cal-Organic: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb, 2 pack/2 lbs
• Compliments: 1 lb
• Full Circle: 1 lb
• Good & Gather: 12 oz, 1 lb
• GreenWise: 1 lb
• Grimmway Farms: 25 lb
• Marketside: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb
• Nature’s Promise: 1 lb
• O-Organics: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb
• President’s Choice: 1 lb, 2 lb
• Raley’s: 1 lb
• Simple Truth: 1 lb, 2 lb
• Sprouts: 1 lb, 2 lb
• Trader Joe’s: 1 lb
• Wegmans: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb
• Wholesome Pantry: 1 lb, 2 lb

What are the symptoms of E. coli poisoning?

According to the CDC, E. coli poisoning symptoms typically appear two to eight days after exposure and can last about a week. Symptoms include:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Low fever or vomiting

Severe complications

For some, especially young kids under 5 and older adults, E. coli can lead to a rare but serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include:

• Unexplained bruising or red spots
• Pale skin – Losing pink in the cheeks or inside the lower eyelids
• Little to no urination
• Unexplained tiredness or crankiness
• Blood in urine
• Decreased awareness

When to call the doctor

Seek immediate medical attention right away if you or your child experience:

• Dizziness upon standing
• Bloody diarrhea or urine
• High fever over 102°F
• Persistent diarrhea or vomiting lasting over two days
• Dizziness or signs of dehydration (like dry mouth or fewer wet diapers for kids)

Protect your household

Check your fridge and dispose of any recalled carrots. Clean containers, utensils, or surfaces that may have come into contact with the carrots using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website or refer to the recall announcement.

Sources: 

1. E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots. 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture. E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots.
2. Carrot recall announced in connection to E. coli outbreak. 2024. USA Today. Carrot recall announced in connection to E. coli outbreak: See list of affected products.