E. coli outbreak in organic carrots: What you need to know

An outbreak of E. coli in organic carrots has resulted in one death and dozens of illnesses. On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms announced a voluntary product recall of several brands sold nationwide. Here’s what you should know about symptoms and treatment.

Multistate outbreak: Where people are getting sick

The FDA has traced an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 to whole and baby bagged organic carrots distributed by the company Grimmway Farms, which is based out of Bakersfield, California. As of November 17, 2024, when the FDA last reported data for the outbreak, there was one death, 15 hospitalizations, and 39 total illness cases. The FDA reported cases in 18 states: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. However, the organic carrots were sold at retailers nationwide under several brands.

The FDA, CDC, and public health and regulatory officials in several states are collecting different types of data about the outbreak as part of an ongoing investigation. This article will be updated as new data are released. The agencies are investigating the origin of the outbreak and whether the outbreak has affected any other produce.

Which organic carrot brands are recalled?

Grimmway Farms has issued a voluntary product recall of multiple different brands of its whole and baby bagged organic carrots. The recalled products were sold between August 14, 2024, and October 23, 2024, with best-if-used-by label dates from September 11, 2024, through November 12, 2024. The recall applies to the following carrot brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Kroger, LIDL, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry.

The recalled products should no longer appear in retail stores. However, since carrots can last a while in the refrigerator or freezer, you should check any bagged carrots you have to ensure that they are not on the list of recalled brands with best-if-used-by dates falling within the relevant window. If you do have any recalled carrots, you should throw them out and clean any surfaces or containers they contacted. If you purchased whole or baby bagged organic carrots during the relevant time period, removed them from the bag, and do not know which brand they are or what their best-if-used-by date is, you should toss those carrots as well.

What to do if you’ve had organic carrots recently

Call your healthcare provider if you have severe E. coli symptoms, including:

• A fever higher than 102°F, especially if you also have:
  • Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting that prevents you from drinking adequate fluids
• Signs of dehydration, including:
  • Not peeing much
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up

Symptoms of E. coli infection

Anyone can get infected with E. coli, but some groups are more likely to experience severe symptoms: those older than 65 or younger than five, people with weakened immune systems, and people who travel internationally. 

Symptoms range from none to severe and begin to appear two to four days after eating or drinking contaminated foods or water. Most people with E. coli infection have diarrhea (which may be bloody or watery), stomach cramps, vomiting, and low-grade fever, and usually recover within five to seven days without medical care.

Learn more at Nutrition Action: What you need to know about food poisoning

When to seek treatment for suspected E. coli infection

If you have symptoms of E. coli infection, the CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids, resting as much as possible, and washing your hands thoroughly and often. Many people recover at home and without any medical attention. 

There are some rules to treatment for E. coli, though: Treating E. coli with antibiotics—or with antidiarrheal drugs like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol—can make you sicker. Call your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter drugs to treat suspected E. coli infection, especially if you have a high fever or bloody diarrhea.

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than two days
• Bloody diarrhea or urine
• A fever higher than 102°F
• Dehydration (little to no urination, very dark urine, extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, or extreme fatigue)

Children have an increased risk of serious illness

Children, particularly those under age five, can experience more severe symptoms from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection. Dehydration is especially dangerous for young children. Give children extra fluids and oral electrolyte solutions, like Pedialyte, at the first sign of illness; do not wait for signs of dehydration.

Do not give children under age 12 Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, or similar antidiarrheal products. Seek medical attention immediately if your child has the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than two days
• Symptoms of STEC infection, especially bloody diarrhea or urine
• A fever higher than 102°F
• Dehydration (little to no urination, very dark urine, extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, or extreme fatigue)

Hemolytic uremic syndrome: What to watch out for

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) causes bleeding in the digestive tract and increases risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome; severe cases may cause HUS, which can lead to kidney failure and even death. Symptoms of HUS include:

• Urinating less often or not at all
• Loss of color in cheeks and lower eyelids
• Unexplained bruising or petechiae (tiny red spots on the skin)
• Extreme irritability or fatigue
• Loss of alertness or awareness

HUS is a medical emergency. People with symptoms of HUS should be hospitalized immediately to prevent kidney failure and other serious complications. If you have any symptoms of HUS, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Prevention is key to reducing the spread of foodborne illness

Anyone can be infected with E. coli, which typically contaminates food through contaminated water, animal waste, or through people who have E. coli. 

The first and best barrier to spreading E. coli is handwashing. Even if you contract E. coli infection through food, you can spread your infection to others through unwashed hands, especially if you touch others directly, prepare food, and touch household surfaces.

• Use warm or cold water
• Lather your hands thoroughly with soap 
• Scrub for at least 20 seconds, including the backs of your hands, under your nails, and between fingers. (No timer? It takes about 20 seconds to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.)
• Rinse well with cold or warm water
• Dry your hands 

No soap and water available? Hand sanitizer is the second-best option. Use a product with no less than 60 percent alcohol.

In the kitchen, follow the CDC’s Four Steps to Food Safety: 

1. Clean your hands and surfaces often, especially before and after handling uncooked meat, poultry, flour, and eggs. Wash your utensils and kitchen surfaces after preparing a food item. Wash produce under cold running water before preparation. 
2. Separate food products to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate surfaces and utensils for raw and cooked ingredients.
3. Cook food to a safe internal temperature. The CDC maintains a detailed list of temperatures and foods for guidance.
4. Chill food promptly. Your refrigerator should be set to 40°F or lower, and your freezer should be set to 0°F.

Learn more at NutritionAction: 7 things to know about keeping your food safe

CSPI's long fight for safer food

CSPI pushes for policies to keep our food supply free of dangerous pathogens, fight antibiotic resistance in the food chain, control and label allergens, and curb the use of synthetic dyes and poorly tested additives. We led the fight for national legislation that promises safer produce, and whole and processed foods that are regulated by the FDA. You can support our efforts to foster a safer food system today.