Carrots Recalled Across 9 States Due to E. Coli Outbreak

Carrots are great to have on hand for easy snacking. But before reaching for them, check the label. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of organic whole and baby carrots due to possible E. coli contamination.

On November 16, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of various brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots due to potential E.coli contamination. The organic carrots were available at retail stores from August 14 through October 23, 2024. The organic baby carrots include specific best-if-used-by dates printed on the bags from September 11 to November 12, 2024.

The products were distributed to grocery stores across Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. They were sold in various stores nationwide, including Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Full Circle.  

While the products are no longer available in stores, the FDA is concerned they may still be in consumers' refrigerators. To date, there have been 39 cases of E.coli infections following consumption of the recalled whole and baby carrots. Fifteen of those people have been hospitalized, and one has died.

Symptoms of E.coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days after eating the contaminated product to nine days later. If you think you may have any symptoms of E. coli infection after eating the recalled carrots, contact your healthcare provider.

The FDA advises consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled bagged whole or baby carrots. Throw them away and sanitize surfaces they touched immediately.