E. coli, Grimmway Farms, Product recall, Disease outbreak from

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Grimmway Farms Products Prompts Recall

What Happened?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to products from Grimmway Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh carrots and other vegetables.

The outbreak has affected at least 37 people in six states, with 12 individuals requiring hospitalization. One death has been reported in Pennsylvania.

What Products Are Affected?

The CDC has advised consumers not to eat any of the following Grimmway Farms products sold under the brand names "Grimmway Farms," "Cal-Organic," and "Foxy":

Fresh carrots
Carrot sticks
Baby carrots
Celery sticks
Spinach
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Symptoms of E. coli Infection

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically develop within three to four days of exposure and can include:

Diarrhea (may be bloody)
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Fever
Fatigue

What to Do If You Have Symptoms

If you experience any symptoms of E. coli infection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary to clear the infection.

Food Safety Recommendations

To reduce the risk of E. coli infection, consumers should follow these food safety recommendations:

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Cook meat and poultry to the proper internal temperature.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
Avoid consuming raw milk or unpasteurized products.
Keep cold foods refrigerated below 40°F (4°C).

Grimmway Farms' Response

Grimmway Farms has issued a voluntary recall of all affected products and has suspended operations at its processing facility in San Diego County, California.

The company is cooperating with the CDC and other health agencies to investigate the outbreak and identify the source of the contamination.

Additional Information

For more information on E. coli infection and the ongoing outbreak, refer to the following resources: