An outbreak of E. coli in the United States, related to organic carrots distributed by Grimmway Farmshas caused the death of one person and has left 39 confirmed cases of infection in at least 18 states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued alerts after identifying the products involved, which were sold in supermarkets such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Wegmans, according to reports Forbes.
The affected carrots, both whole and baby, were distributed under multiple commercial brands between August and October 2024. Authorities said the products should no longer be available on supermarket shelves, but may still be found in homes. of consumers. According to the CDC96% of those affected interviewed confirmed having consumed carrots before presenting symptoms, reported The Guardian.
The outbreak, which includes cases reported in New York, Minnesota and Washington, has raised concerns due to the severity of the infections. The bacteria, which produces Shiga toxinscan cause bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting, and even kidney failure in extreme cases. According to Grimmway Farms, the company began a massive recall of products while it collaborates with authorities to investigate the origin of the contamination, as published CBS News.
The products involved include whole organic carrots y babysold under brands such as Trader Joe’s, 365 (Whole Foods), Bunny Luv, Nature’s Promise, Cal-Organic and O Organics, among others. According to the FDAwhole carrots were available for purchase between August 14 and October 23, while baby carrots have expiration dates ranging from September 11 to November 12.
The carrots were distributed in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, and were available in supermarkets such as Walmart, Kroger, Target, Publix and Food Lion. Although most are no longer on the shelves, the CDC recommend that consumers check their refrigerators and discard any affected products to avoid risks, as reported USA Today.
La bacteria E. coli O121linked to this outbreak, produces Shiga toxins which can cause serious infections. Initial symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and nausea. Most cases resolve within a week, but some can progress to serious conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication that can cause kidney failure and require hospitalization.
The incubation period of the bacteria varies between 24 hours and 10 days, with an average of three to four days. The CDC recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms include persistent diarrhea for more than three days, fever above 38°C, vomiting that prevents hydration, or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and decreased urine output, according to the FDA.
Grimmway Farmsa company that produces carrots, issued a statement indicating that it is collaborating with the CDC and the FDA to review their cultivation, harvesting and packaging processes. Jeff Huckaby, executive president of the company, stated that the health of consumers is their priority, which is why they have implemented measures to strengthen their food safety controls, according to information published by Forbes.
Los CDC and the FDA They urged consumers to throw away any recalled carrots or return them to stores for a refund. They also recommended cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with contaminated products. These actions are essential to prevent the spread of the bacteria in homes, reported USA Today.
This incident adds to another outbreak of E. coli reported in October 2024, linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders burgers. In that case, the infections were linked to contaminated onions used in hamburgers, resulting in 104 confirmed cases and one death in 14 states. Authorities indicated that both incidents underscore the importance of maintaining strict controls in the food supply chain, as published The Guardian.
