November 18th 2024.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched an investigation into an E. coli outbreak that has affected at least 18 states. The source of the outbreak has been traced back to some organic carrots, and sadly, one death has been reported as a result.
According to the CDC, there have been 39 cases of E. coli linked to the carrots since early September. Of those cases, 15 individuals have been hospitalized and one person has tragically lost their life. The affected carrots were recalled on Saturday by Grimmway Farms, a well-known carrot producer based in Bakersfield, California. The recall includes various sizes and brands of bagged organic baby carrots and whole carrots.
Although the recalled carrots are no longer being sold in stores, Grimmway Farms has issued a warning that they may still be present in people's homes. As a precaution, the CDC advises anyone who may have purchased the recalled carrots to either dispose of them or return them to the store. Additionally, it is recommended to thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come in contact with the carrots.
The recalled products were sold under several brand names, including Grimmway Farms, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Good & Gather. The CDC cautions that the reported cases may not represent the full extent of the outbreak, as it can take up to four weeks to determine if a person is part of an outbreak. Furthermore, many individuals who are infected with E. coli often recover without seeking medical care and are never tested for the bacteria.
The strain of E. coli linked to the recalled carrots is known to produce a toxin called Shiga, which can cause severe symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and dizziness. Most people infected with this strain typically experience symptoms within three to four days and recover without treatment within a week. However, the CDC notes that children under five, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
If you have recently consumed the recalled carrots and are experiencing severe symptoms, the CDC advises seeking medical attention. Meanwhile, Grimmway Farms has assured the public that they are working closely with suppliers and health authorities to address the outbreak. In a statement, President and CEO Jeff Huckaby emphasized the company's commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of their products and promised a thorough review of their growing, harvest, and processing practices.
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