November 17, 2024 –
As of November 17, 2024, 39 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 18 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 6, 2024, to October 28, 2024. Of 38 people with information available, 15 have been hospitalized and none developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from California.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
The multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections linked to multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people’s homes. If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.
On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms recalled multiples sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. These products are likely no longer in stores for sale but may still be in your home.
Baby Organic Carrots
- Best-if-used-by dates ranging from 9/11/2024 to 11/12/2024
- Brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry
Whole Organic Carrots
- Were available for purchase in stores approximately from 8/14/2024 through 10/23/2024
- No best-if-used-by-dates are on the bags of organic whole carrots.
See the recall for detailed information about brands and sizes.
What you should do
- Do not eat any recalled bagged organic carrots. Check your refrigerators or freezers for recalled carrots and throw them away.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled organic carrots using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Call your healthcare provider if you have severe E. coli symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
What businesses should do
- Do not sell or serve recalled bagged organic carrots.
- Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled bagged organic carrots.
Symptoms of E. coli
- Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
- Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
- Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
- Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.
- For more information about E. coli, see the About Escherichia coli Infection page
Where sick people live
This map shows where the 39 people in this E. coli outbreak lived.
This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.
