WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the public about an E. coli outbreak tied to carrots sold across the U.S. that has already led to several people reporting illness and one person dying.
According to the agency, there have been 39 cases of E. coli illness across 18 states so far. Of those, 15 people have been hospitalized.
The cases have been traced back to whole and baby carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms and sold under several brands. While the carrots are no longer on store shelves, authorities warn they may still be in people's homes.
The baby organic carrots had best-if-used-by dates from Sept. 11, 2024, to Nov. 12, 2024, and included the following brands:
- 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
Whole organic carrots were available from Aug. 14, 2024, through Oct. 23, 2024. They have no best-if-used-by dates. Brands include:
- 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
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website provides a full list of brands and bag sizes impacted by the recall.
The CDC said anyone with these products still in their refrigerators should throw them away and wash items and surfaces that may have come into contact with them using hot, soapy water or dishwater.
People should call their doctor if they have diarrhea and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit—particularly if the diarrhea is bloody and lasts more than three days without improvement. Vomiting, being unable to keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration are also reasons to contact a physician. Dehydration signs could include less frequent urination, a dry mouth and throat and dizziness when standing up.
The CDC said symptoms usually start three to four days after someone ingests the bacteria. While most people recover in a week or less, symptoms can also include serious kidney problems that would require hospitalization.