A deadly outbreak of E. coli linked to organic carrots has caused serious health concerns in the U.S., with one reported death and 39 illnesses, including 15 hospitalizations, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Details of the Outbreak
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has traced the infections to bagged whole carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, a California-based supplier. The affected products were distributed across 18 U.S. states at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and others.
In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall notice for organic carrots, though the Public Health Agency of Canada stated that no illnesses linked to the products have been reported domestically.
Brands and Products Affected
The recall encompasses a variety of brands, including but not limited to:
Baby Carrots: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Grimmway Farms, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans.
Whole Organic Carrots: Sold under Grimmway Farms and other private labels.
The recalled baby carrots have best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12, while the whole carrots were sold between August 14 and October 23.
Consumer Guidance
The CDC and CFIA are urging consumers to check their homes for recalled products and discard them immediately. Specific product details, such as brand, size, UPC, and codes, can be found in recall notices issued by the FDA and CFIA.
“If the product information, including the best-before dates, does not match the recall notification, the product is not part of the recall,” CFIA clarified.
Although the products are unlikely to still be available on store shelves, some may remain in consumers’ homes. Officials stress the importance of throwing away affected carrots to prevent illness.
What is Being Done
Grimmway Farms has issued a voluntary recall of the products, which were distributed not only in the U.S. and Canada but also in Puerto Rico. Public health agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
Canadian authorities recommend signing up for food recall alerts to stay informed.
Protecting Your Health
E. coli infections can cause severe symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications. If you suspect exposure to recalled products and experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Source : Swifteradio.com
