Federal officials have announced a recall affecting over a dozen brands of organic carrots sold in 19 states due to potential E. coli contamination.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to these carrots. Tragically, one individual has passed away and 15 others have been hospitalized.

Grimmway Farms has initiated a recall for various brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. While these products are likely no longer available in stores, they may still be present in customers’ homes.

The affected whole carrots were sold between August 14 and October 23, according to the CDC. Notably, these products do not feature best-if-used-by dates. In contrast, the baby carrots have best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12 of this year.

The CDC strongly advises against consuming the recalled carrots and urges consumers to inspect their refrigerators for any affected products. Surfaces and items that might have come in contact with these carrots should be cleaned thoroughly with hot, soapy water or placed in a dishwasher.

Which brands are included in the recall?

The following are the organic whole carrots involved in the recall, along with their bag sizes. These products were on sale from August 14 to October 23:

• 365: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb bags
• 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

The following are the cut and peeled organic baby carrots being recalled, detailing their bag sizes and best-if-used-by dates:

• 365: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
• Bunny Luv: 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Nov. 12
• Cal-Organic: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb, 2 pack/2 lbs; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
• Compliments: 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 14 – Oct. 24
• Full Circle: 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 14 – Oct. 24
• Good & Gather: 12 oz, 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
• GreenWise: 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Oct. 26
• Grimmway Farms: 25 lb bag; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Oct. 3
• Marketside: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
• Nature’s Promise: 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 13 – Oct. 25
• O-Organics: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
• President’s Choice: 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 11 – Nov. 2
• Raley’s: 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 14 – Oct. 23
• Simple Truth: 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
• Sprouts: 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 13 – Nov. 4
• Trader Joe’s: 1 lb; Best if used by Sept. 13 – Nov. 4
• Wegmans: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
• Wholesome Pantry: 1 lb, 2 lb; Best if used by Sept. 16 – Nov. 7

How many individuals have been impacted?

The CDC has documented 39 E. coli infections across 18 states tied to this outbreak. One death and 15 hospitalizations have unfortunately been reported.

Symptoms of E. coli infection

Most strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are typically harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals. However, certain strains can lead to mild to severe digestive illnesses when ingested, as indicated by the CDC.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that E. coli infection symptoms may surface between two to eight days after exposure, often lasting about a week. These symptoms can include:

• Dehydration
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever

In rare cases, certain individuals—particularly older adults and children under five—might develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by easy bruising, paleness, and reduced urine output. Prompt emergency care is essential for these individuals.

The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention if anyone experiences:

• Dizziness upon standing
• Diarrhea paired with a fever exceeding 102°F
• Diarrhea lasting over three days without improvement
• Bloody diarrhea
• Severe vomiting preventing liquid intake
• Signs of dehydration, such as:
  • Minimal urination
  • Dry mouth and throat