Carrots Sold Nationwide, Including Wisconsin, Are Recalled for E. coli. Here Are The Affected Brands

 


Quite a few brands are recalling bags of organic carrots that were distributed nationwide, including in Wisconsin, for potential E. coli contamination according to last week's announcement by the Food and Drug Administration Department.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 39 people have become sick from the carrots, and one person has died. As of Monday morning, the cases have spread to 18 states.

Although Wisconsin has not logged any cases, the CDC noted that the actual number of cases is "likely to be much higher" than currently reported, since people often recover from E. coli infection without medical care and are not formally tested for the bacteria. Neighboring states Minnesota and Michigan have reported six cases in total.

Here's what to know about the E. coli outbreak -  which brands are affected, what to do if you have purchased any recalled carrots and symptoms of the infection.

Where did the contaminated carrots come from?

The potentially contaminated carrots were grown at Grimmway Farms, headquartered in Bakersfield, California. Grimmway Farms is one of the world's largest carrot producers.

Although Grimmway Farms advised consumers to contact their customer service with any questions, the Journal Sentinel received an "invalid" notice when attempting to call their customer service line on Monday. For more information, please visit the farm's website.

What brands were recalled?

Grimmway Farms is recalling bags of organic whole and baby carrots sold at retailers nationwide, including Trader Joe's, Target, and Whole Foods. Although the carrots have been removed from store shelves, they may still be present in consumers' homes The recall notice states that the affected products were available for purchase between August 14 and October 23:

  • 365: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb bag sizes
  • 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 lbs
  • 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

Grimmway Farms is also recalling cut and peeled organic baby carrots, detailing the bag sizes and their best-if-used-by dates.

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

What to do if you have any recalled carrots

If you have any recalled carrots, the FDA strongly advises against eating or using them.

You can either destroy or discard the carrots, or return them to the store where they were purchased. Additionally, the FDA recommends cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces the carrots may have come into contact with. Potentially contaminated dishes can be cleaned using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in food, water, and the intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC. Most types of E. coli are harmless and help humans digest food and produce vitamins.

However, some types of E. coli, like the bacteria found in the recalled carrots, can cause illness, leading to diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other health issues. Children younger than five, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk for E. coli infections.

E. coli symptoms, treatment

If you believe you may have E. coli symptoms, federal officials advise seeking medical attention. Symptoms typically begin three to four days after consuming the bacteria, and most individuals will recover without treatment within five to seven days, according to the CDC.

Here's what to know about E. coli symptoms:

Most infected individuals will experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: diarrhea or vomiting lasting longer than two days, blood in urine or feces, a fever higher than 102 degrees, severe dehydration, or signs of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure.

Culled from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


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