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E. coli linked to organic baby and whole carrots
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E. coli linked to organic baby and whole carrots

More than a dozen brands are recalling bags of organic carrots that were sold in 19 states for potential E. coli contamination, federal officials said.

A multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to carrots is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency said in a statement. One person died and 15 were hospitalized in connection with the outbreak.

Grimmway Farms has recalled several brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. The affected brands are most likely no longer in store, but may still be found in people’s homes.

The whole carrots that were affected were available for purchase from Aug. 14 to Oct. 23, according to the CDC. They have no maximum data if used. However, small carrots have the best dates if they are used, which range from September 11 to November 12 this year.

The CDC advises against eating the recalled carrots. The agency encourages consumers to check their refrigerators and remove any affected products. For items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled carrots, wash them in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

What brands have been recalled?

Here are the whole organic carrots that are being recalled, along with their bag sizes. The products were available for purchase at retailers between August 14 and October 23:

  • 365: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb bag sizes
  • The Love Bunny: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb
  • Horse-Organic: 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb, 6 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb
  • Compliment: 2 lbs
  • Full circle: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
  • Hello and Gather: 2 lbs
  • GreenWise: 1 lb., 25 lbs
  • On the market: 2 lbs
  • The promise of nature: 1 lb., 5 lb
  • O-organics: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb
  • Election of the President: 2 lbs
  • The simple truth: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
  • From Trader Joe’s: 1 lb
  • Wegmans: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb
  • Healthy pantry: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb

Here are the recalled organic cut and peeled carrots, along with bag sizes and maximum dates if used.

  • 365: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; September 11 – November 2
  • The Love Bunny: 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb; September 11 – November 12
  • Horse-Organic: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb, 2 packs/2 lb; September 11 – November 2
  • Compliment: 1 lb; September 14 – October 24
  • Full circle: 1 lb; September 14 – October 24
  • Good and collect: 12 oz, 1 lb; September 14 – November 2
  • GreenWise: 1 lb; September 11 – October 26
  • Grimmway Farms: 25 lb bag; September 11 – October 3
  • On the market: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; September 11 – November 2
  • Nature’s Promise: 1 pound; September 13 – October 25
  • O-Organics: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; September 11 – November 2
  • Election of the President: 1lb, 2lb; September 11 – November 2
  • Raley’s: 1 lb; September 14 – October 23
  • The simple truth: 1lb, 2lb; September 14 – November 2
  • germ: 1lb, 2lb; September 13 – November 4
  • From Trader Joe’s: 1 lb; September 13 – November 4
  • Wegmans: 12 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb; September 14 – November 2
  • Healthy Pantry: 1lb, 2lb; September 16 – November 7

How many people were affected?

The CDC has reported 39 E. coli cases in 18 states in connection with the outbreak. One person died and 15 were hospitalized, the agency said.

symptoms of E. coli poisoning

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of humans and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illness if consumed, says the CDC.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These may include:

  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea with blood
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever

In rare cases, some people, especially older adults and children under 5, may develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is marked by easy bruising, paleness, and decreased urine production. These people should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

The agency recommended seeking immediate medical attention if a person has:

  • Feeling dizzy when standing
  • Diarrhea and fever greater than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that does not improve
  • Diarrhea with blood
  • So much vomiting that you can’t keep fluids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • He does not urinate much
    • Dry mouth and throat