Multistate E. coli Outbreak Linked to Recalled Organic Carrots

United States

####Update: November 29, 2024

4Earth Farms of Commerce, California, has recalled multiple brands of Organic Vegetable Medley, Conventional Vegetable Medley, and Organic Whole Carrots due to potential contamination with E. coli O121:H19, identified through notification from Grimmway Farms, Inc. FDA's investigation is ongoing; further updates are expected.

Key Details:
- Total illnesses: 39
- Hospitalizations: 15
- Deaths: 1
- Last illness onset: October 28, 2024
- Affected States: AR, CA, CO, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WY
- Distribution: Nationwide in the U.S.; internationally to Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the UAE

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-organic-carrots-november-2024


Update: November 25, 2024

On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of multiple quantities and brands of bagged, organic whole and baby carrots and contacted their distributing customers. Recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico. These products should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-organic-carrots-november-2024


In a concerning development, a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections has been linked to multiple brands of organic whole-bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials in several states are currently investigating the outbreak, which has affected 39 people across 18 states, leading to 15 hospitalizations and one death.

States affected: WA, OR, CA, WY, CO, TX, MN, MO, AR, MI, OH, SC, NC, VA, PA, NY, MA and NJ.

The outbreak is connected to a variety of brands, including 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O-Organic, President's Choice, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry.

The carrots were available for purchase from August 14, 2024, through October 23, 2024. On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms issued a recall for multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. The products have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12.

The affected brands are likely no longer in stores, but could be found in people's homes. Consumers are encouraged consumers to check their refrigerators or freezer, and do not consume affected products.



Source: www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-o121.html