FDA warns – Grimmway Farms whole and baby carrots implicated in E. Coli outbreak, recalled

Grimmway Farms has issued a recall for multiple lots of whole and baby carrots sold under various brand names in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The FDA published notice of the recall on Tuesday, not long after the company’s announcement.

The company issued the recall after the CDC voiced concerns about a link between the organic carrots and an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121:H19. Health officials have received reports of one death and at least 39 illnesses linked to the E. Coli outbreak. NPR says that illnesses from the outbreak have been reported in 18 states in the U.S. The first cases of illness were reported in early September, and reports continued through the end of October.

Multiple brands of whole and baby carrots produced by Grimmway Farms are included in the recall. The company recalled whole carrots sold in 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb, 25lb bags from the following brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry. The bags in which these carrots were sold do not list an expiration date. All of the recalled whole carrots were sold between August 14 through October 23, 2024. The same brands of baby carrots were also recalled, along with three additional brands: Grimmway Farms, Raley’s, and Sprouts.  The bag sizes of baby carrots recalled include 12 oz, 1lb, 2lb, 2pk/2lbs, 3lb, 5lb, and 25 lb. Customers can view a complete list of recalled products here along with the designated “Best by” dates for the recalled baby carrots.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli can “cause serious illness, including kidney damage.” Symptoms of infection with Escherichia coli O121:H19 typically start within three to five days of exposure. Very young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for developing serious illness. Serious symptoms might include intestinal bleeding and bloody diarrhea. In a small percentage of people, Shiga-toxin producing E. Coli can cause a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which “causes blood clots and damages your kidneys.”

Grimmway Farms says that all recalled carrots have been removed from retail shelves. Customers should check their refrigerators and freezers for organic carrots sold mid-August through early to mid-November. Any of the brands listed above that fall within the designated date range should be discarded immediately.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Grimmway Farms at 1-800-301-3101 (M-F, 8 am – 8 pm ET). Alternately, customers can visit the company website at www.grimmway.com.

 

If you’ve suffered an illness or an adverse health outcome after consumption of a food product contaminated with E. Coli, the legal team at TruLaw would like to hear your story and discuss how we might help you seek just compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial consequences you’ve faced. As you continue to focus on your recovery, reach out to our experienced attorneys today or try out our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠ to get started.