Deadly E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots sold in multiple states

(NEXSTAR) — Organic carrots have been linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak impacting 18 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Sunday.

Multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots have been recalled by Grimmway Farms due to the potential E. coli contamination. While the carrots are no longer available in stores, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns consumers may still have some in their homes.

According to the FDA, the impacted carrots, listed below, may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

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There have been 39 cases reported across 18 states in this E. coli outbreak. Fifteen patients have been hospitalized, and one person has died, the CDC reports. The death in this outbreak was reported in California.

Those who have fallen ill range in age from 1 year old to 75 years old.

The most cases – 8, as of Sunday – have been reported in Washington state. Minnesota and New York have each confirmed five cases connected to this outbreak, while California and Oregon have each reported three. New Jersey and South Carolina have confirmed two cases. Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming have all confirmed single cases.

The CDC notes the outbreak may be more widespread and the number of people who have fallen ill from the impacted carrots may be higher “because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.”

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Below is a list of the organic baby carrots – cut and peeled – that are being recalled by Grimmway Farms.

The list below shows the organic whole carrots that are being recalled. All were available for purchase from August 14 through October 23. There are no best-buy dates on these packages.

Images of the recalled products can be seen here.

The FDA notes, however, that none of the recalled carrots have tested positive for E. coli O121:H19. Regardless, if you have any of the carrots listed above, health officials say to throw them away. They also recommend washing items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the carrots using hot, soapy water.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection, which typically appear within three to four days, include severe stomach cramps; diarrhea, which can be bloody; and vomiting, the CDC says. More serious cases can include kidney problems – which were reported during a recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s – and can lead to hospitalization. Most people, however, are able to recover without treatment in a few days.

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If you develop the severe E. coli symptoms listed below, the CDC says to contact your healthcare provider:

• Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving or is bloody

• A fever higher than 102°F

• Vomiting that keeps you from keeping liquids down

• Signs of dehydration, like feeling dizzy when you stand, a lack of urinating, or dry mouth and throat

The U.S. has already had multiple recalls linked to foodborne illnesses this year. That includes widespread outbreaks linked to Boar’s Head products, and McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, as well as other smaller recalls over potential listeria contamination. More recent recalls include chicken products sold at Costco, frozen waffles and pancake products, and ready-to-eat meals sold at multiple major grocery chains.

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