CDC: 1 dead in multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to organic carrots
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Key takeaways:
- An outbreak of E. coli has sickened 39 people in 18 states.
- An investigation linked the infections to organic carrots sold by more than a dozen brands.
One person has died and 15 have been hospitalized in a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli linked to consuming organic carrots, the CDC announced.
In all, there have been 39 cases of E. coli O121 in 18 states, according to the CDC. An investigation linked the outbreak to 18 brands of organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which has recalled the products.
“Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people's homes,” the CDC said.
According to the agency, the recalled products include baby organic carrots with best-if-used-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12 sold by 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 and Wholesome Pantry.
Also implicated are whole organic carrots with purchase date between Aug. 14 to Oct. 23 from 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 and Wholesome Pantry, the CDC said.
Eight of the infections have occurred in Washington state, and five each in Minnesota and New York, according to the agency. Cases have also been reported in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming.
The CDC said recalled carrots should be thrown out or returned to the store.
According to the agency, severe symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that does not improve, temperature higher than 102°F, excessive vomiting and dehydration.
References:
- CDC. E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-o121.html. Published Nov. 17, 2024. Accessed Nov. 18, 2024.
- CDC. Where people got sick: E. coli outbreak, organic carrots, November 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/where-people-got-sick-e-coli-o121.html. Published Nov. 17, 2024. Accessed Nov. 18, 2024.