Carrot Recall As Warning Issued Over 19 Brands Sold in Major Stores

Grimmway Farms has recalled some of its organic whole and baby carrots, affecting 19 brands across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

The company voluntarily issued the recall on Saturday because the carrots may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19.

E. coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious, and in some cases fatal, infections in young children, elderly people and those with a weakened immune system.

“Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurologic problems,” the firm said in its announcement through the Food and Drug Administration.

Symptoms to look out for include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

The affected carrots should not be available in grocery stores, but some people may still have them in their kitchens, Grimmway Farms warned.

The recall was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the carrots may be associated with an outbreak.

As of Saturday, 39 illnesses and one death have been associated with an E. coli O121:H19 outbreak.

Grimmway Farms said: “Consumers who purchased carrots in the table below and still have them in their refrigerator or freezer should not consume them; they should be destroyed or discarded so they cannot be consumed.

“If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched. Consumers concerned about an illness should contact a medical professional.”

When Newsweek approached Grimmway Farms via email for comment, it was directed to its statement from president and CEO Jeff Huckaby.

He said: “We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously. The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest, and processing practices. Our food safety team is working with our suppliers and health authorities.”

The following Organic Whole Carrots available, which were for purchase at retail from August 14 to October 23, are affected by the recall:

The following Organic Baby Carrots (cut and peeled) are affected by the recall: