MENA Newswire News Desk: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a nationwide recall of organic carrots, including baby carrots, following an E. coli outbreak across 18 states that has resulted in one death and 15 hospitalizations. The affected products, distributed by Grimmway Farms, were sold under several popular brand names, including Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, and Nature’s Promise.
The outbreak has led to 39 confirmed cases of E. coli infections. Although the products are no longer on store shelves, the CDC warns they may still be in consumers’ homes. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and immediately dispose of the affected products to prevent further illness. The recall covers organic whole carrots sold between August 14 and October 23, as well as organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12.
Impacted brands include 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Good & Gather, Sprouts, and others. For a complete list of affected products, visit the CDC’s detailed recall notice. This recall follows a separate E. coli outbreak in October linked to McDonald’s, which resulted in one death and over 100 reported cases in 14 states. E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacterium that can cause severe illness, including diarrhea, kidney failure, and, in extreme cases, death, especially in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The CDC advises consumers to monitor for symptoms of severe E. coli infection, which include fever above 102°F, dehydration, persistent vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. The agency also recommends thoroughly cleaning any surfaces or utensils that may have been in contact with the recalled carrots, using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
For those concerned about potential exposure, the CDC emphasizes the importance of discarding any recalled products. Families are also encouraged to stay informed about updates to the recall and take precautions to prevent similar outbreaks. For further information and guidance, consult the CDC’s official E. coli resource page.