After McDonald's and its onions, a new E. coli bacteria scandal is shaking the United States, this time with organic carrots! On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified an outbreak of E. coli in 18 states, linked to organic carrots produced by the company Grimmway Farms, reported more American media, including NPR.
One person died and at least 38 others fell ill between September 6 and October 28, according to health authorities. The most affected states are Washington, Minnesota and New York. So far, none of the 38 cases examined have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recalled products may be contaminated with a type of E. coli producing Shiga toxins, a particularly dangerous strain.
No doubt many more cases in the country
The CDC has warned that the true number of cases could be much higher than currently reported. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli,” a statement from the agency said.
Investigations established that Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, was the common supplier of carrots consumed by those infected. The company initiated a massive recall of its products on November 11. This recall includes organic baby carrots as well as whole organic carrots sold between August 14 and October 23.
Many brands concerned
The affected products were sold under various brands, including Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Sprouts, Whole Foods' 365, Target's Good & Gather, Walmart's Marketside, Publix's GreenWise, and Kroger's Simple Truth. A complete list is available on the Food and Drug Administration website.
Grimmway Farms said the recalled carrots should no longer be on shelves but recommended consumers check their refrigerators and freezers. “Customers with recalled products should throw them away and disinfect any surfaces they touch,” the company advised. Furthermore, she indicated that production had been stopped on the farms involved.
