A number of organic carrots are being recalled across Canada and the US due to an E. coli outbreak that has resulted in at least one death.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Sunday that a voluntary recall has called for multiple brands of bagged organic whole and baby carrots.
The carrots were distributed by California-based Grimmway Farms for several different brands, including President’s Choice, Compliments, and 365, which are sold in Canada at Sobeys, Whole Foods, and Loblaw-owned stores.
“These products are likely no longer available for sale in stores but could be in people’s homes,” stated the FDA.
The recall includes organic whole carrots sold between August 14 and October 23, 2024, and organic baby carrots, which have best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.
The FDA and CDC said that officials are investigating and that the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 may have contaminated the carrots.
In the US, there have been reports of 39 E. coli-related illnesses linked to the carrots and 15 hospitalizations. At least one death has also been reported.
Symptoms of E.coli include “severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later,” noted the FDA.
A full list of the brands that sold the carrots can be found here.
Daily Hive has reached out to Health Canada regarding E.coli infections in the country linked to the organic carrots. We will update this story when we hear back.