Grimmway Farms has issued a voluntary recall of organic whole and baby carrots sold under multiple brands due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121. This recall is linked to a multistate outbreak that has resulted in 39 illnesses and one death. Consumers are urged to take immediate action to check their homes and discard any affected products.
The recall applies to organic whole carrots sold at retail stores from August 14 through October 23, 2024, and organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024. These products were distributed nationwide in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada under well-known brand names, including 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Good & Gather, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Simple Truth. Although these items are no longer available in stores, they may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, as carrots can have an extended shelf life when stored properly.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121 is a dangerous bacterium that can cause serious illness, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms typically begin three to four days after consuming contaminated food but may appear as quickly as one day or as late as nine days after exposure. In severe cases, the infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition causing kidney failure, high blood pressure, and long-term neurological damage.
The FDA and CDC are working with Grimmway Farms to investigate the outbreak and identify the source of contamination. So far, 96% of the individuals interviewed as part of the investigation reported eating carrots before falling ill. FDA traceback efforts pinpointed Grimmway Farms as the common supplier of the affected products. While none of the recalled carrots have tested positive for E. coli O121, epidemiological evidence strongly links the outbreak to these products. The farms associated with the recalled carrots have been removed from production as investigations continue.
The recall affects multiple package sizes and brands of both organic whole and baby carrots. Whole carrots, which do not include a best-if-used-by date on the packaging, were sold under brands such as Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Marketside, O Organic, and Wholesome Pantry, among others. Organic baby carrots, sold in 12-ounce, 1-pound, and 2-pound bags, feature best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 through November 12, 2024. For a detailed list of brands and packaging information, consumers should visit the Grimmway Farms website or contact the company directly.
Consumers are advised to discard all recalled products immediately, even if they have been frozen, as freezing does not eliminate E. coli bacteria. Any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact
with the recalled carrots should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Additionally, if consumers have carrots without original packaging and cannot determine the brand, those carrots should also be discarded out of an abundance of caution.
The FDA recommends that distributors and retailers who may still have these products follow recall protocols and notify their customers about the potential risks. While Grimmway Farms has notified all customers who received the affected carrots directly, consumers must remain vigilant about checking their homes.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection, particularly those involving bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain, should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Early treatment is critical, especially for vulnerable individuals who are at greater risk of developing complications like HUS.
For questions about the recall, consumers can contact Grimmway Farms at 1-800-301-3101 during business hours or visit their website for more information. Updates will be provided as the FDA, CDC, and Grimmway Farms continue their investigation into the outbreak.
