Organic carrots are at the center of an urgent recall as the holiday season approaches. These whole and baby carrots — distributed across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada — might be contaminated with E. coli. This serious health risk poses a significant threat, especially to vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The risks of E. coli infection
E. coli bacteria can cause severe illnesses that may sometimes be life-threatening. Symptoms usually appear within three to four days after ingesting contaminated food and may include:
- Intense stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that this outbreak has already led to 15 hospitalizations and one death in 18 states. It’s essential to be cautious and take preventive steps to avoid becoming part of these statistics.
Details of the carrot recall
On Nov. 16, Grimmway Farms initiated the recall of organic carrots after discovering possible contamination with E. coli. These products were distributed to stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, while these items were supposed to have been removed from store shelves, there’s a chance they might still be found in some households. This makes it crucial to check your refrigerator or freezer for any recalled items.
Products affected by the recall
The recall covers a variety of products, specifically:
Organic whole carrots: These do not have a printed best-by date and were sold between Aug. 14 and Oct. 23.
Organic baby carrots: Best-by dates range from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12.
These products were sold under the following brands:
- 365
- Bunny Luv
- Cal-Organic
- Compliments
- Full Circle
- Good & Gather
- GreenWise
- Grimmway Farms
- Marketside
- Nature’s Promise
- O Organics
- President’s Choice
- Raley’s
- Simple Truth
- Sprouts
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegmans
- Wholesome Pantry
How to protect yourself if you have these carrots
If you purchased any of the recalled products, the CDC and FDA provide these important recommendations:
- Avoid consuming the recalled products.
- Dispose of them immediately in a secure manner.
- Sanitize any surfaces that may have been in contact with the affected carrots.
- Seek medical advice if you develop any symptoms of E. coli.
Recalled product details: What to check for
Below is a comprehensive guide for identifying the affected carrot products:
Whole carrot packaging and brands:
- 365: Available in 1 lb., 2 lb. and 5 lb. bags.
- Bunny Luv: Packaged in 1 lb., 2 lb., 5 lb., 10 lb. and 25 lb. bags.
- Cal-Organic: Found in 1 lb., 2 lb., 5 lb., 6 lb., 10 lb., and 25 lb. bags.
- Compliments: Sold in 2 lb. bags.
- Full Circle: Available in 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. bags.
- Good & Gather: Packaged in 2 lb. bags.
- GreenWise: Offered in 1 lb. and 25 lb. bags.
- Grimmway Farms
- Marketside: 2 lb. bags.
- Nature’s Promise: 1 lb. and 5 lb. bags.
- O Organics: Available in 1 lb., 2 lb, 5 lb, and 10 lb bags.
- President’s Choice: Sold in 2 lb bags.
- Raley’s
- Simple Truth: Packaged in 1 lb, 2 lb., and 5 lb. bags.
- Sprouts
- Trader Joe’s: Sold in 1 lb. bags.
- Wegmans: Available in 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. bags.
- Wholesome Pantry: Packaged in 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. bags.
Baby carrot packaging and best-by dates:
- 365: 12 oz, 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 2.
- Bunny Luv: 1 lb,., 2 lb., 3 lb., 5 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12.
- Cal-Organic: 12 oz., 1 lb., 2 lb., 2 pack/2 lbs.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 2.
- Compliments: 1 lb,; best-by dates from Sept. 14 to Oct. 24.
- Full Circle: 1 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 14 to Oct. 24.
- Good & Gather: 12 oz., 1 lb; best-by dates from Sept. 14 to Nov. 2.
- GreenWise: 1 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Oct. 26.
- Grimmway Farms: 25 lb. bag; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Oct. 3.
- Marketside: 12 oz., 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 2.
- Nature’s Promise: 1 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 13 to Oct. 25.
- O Organics: 12 oz., 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 2.
- President’s Choice: 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 2.
- Raley’s: 1 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23.
- Simple Truth: 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 14 to Nov. 2.
- Sprouts: 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 13 to Nov. 4.
- Trader Joe’s: 1 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 13 to Nov. 4.
- Wegmans: 12 oz., 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 14 to Nov. 2.
- Wholesome Pantry: 1 lb., 2 lb.; best-by dates from Sept. 16 to Nov. 7.
Key takeaways for consumer safety
Ensuring food safety during the holidays means staying informed and proactive. If you have any of the recalled carrot products, act immediately by disposing of them to prevent potential illness. Following these steps will help keep you and your loved ones safe.
