ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The CDC has posted a Food Safety Alert regarding an outbreak linked to organic carrots across multiple states. So far as many as 39 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 18 states. One person has died and 15 people have been hospitalized.
The CDC advises you not eat any recalled bagged organic carrots and if you have any severe symptoms caused by E. coli, seek health care and tell your provider about what you ate.
Key Points from the CDC:
- Interviews with sick people and traceback findings show that organic whole and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms are making people sick.
- Grimmway Farms recalled the implicated carrots. Multiple brands and sizes of bagged organic whole and baby carrots were recalled.
- These products are no longer for sale at stores but may still be in people’s homes. Check your refrigerators and throw them away.
E. coli Symptoms:
- Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience vomiting, severe stomach cramps, and (often bloody) diarrhea.
- Symptoms usually start 3-4 days after swallowing the bacteria.
- Most people recover without treatment after 5-7 days.
- Some people may develop kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized.