A Bakersfield-based carrot producer recalled organic carrots linked to an E. coli outbreak that's sickened dozens of people in 18 states.
The Food and Drug Administration determined that Grimmway Farms, which issued the recall on Saturday, was the common supplier of the organic whole and baby carrots linked to the infections. The produce was available for purchase nationwide, according to the FDA.
The FDA said 39 people had been sickened by the multistate outbreak that includes California and has led to 15 hospitalizations and one death.
While the recalled products shouldn't be in stores for purchase, the FDA said these products may be in people's refrigerators or freezers. If so, people are advised to throw them out and clean and sanitize surfaces the produce touched.
The recalled products include organic whole carrots that were available for purchase from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23 under the brands 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O Organic, President's Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe's, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.
The recalled products also extend to organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates on the bags ranging from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12 under the 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.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, according to the FDA. These symptoms can begin a few days after eating contaminated food or take up to nine days later for symptoms to appear. While symptoms can vary depending on the kind of E. coli (a bacteria) causing the infection, E. coli infections can lead to life-threatening conditions, leading to permanent health problems and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control. People who have symptoms should contact their health provider.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.