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

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Grimmway Farms Recalled Carrots

What Happened?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to pre-cut carrots from Grimmway Farms. As of March 23, 2023, 19 people in seven states have been infected.

The recalled carrots were sold under the brand names Grimmway Farms, Bunny Luv, and Cal-Organic. They were sold in 1-pound and 2-pound clear plastic bags with a "Best If Used By" date of April 19, 2023, or April 20, 2023.

Symptoms

Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, the infection can lead to serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure.

What to Do

Consumers who have purchased the recalled carrots are urged not to eat them. The carrots should be thrown away or returned to the store where they were purchased. Consumers who have eaten the carrots and are experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Grimmway Farms Responds

Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of all pre-cut carrots with the affected "Best If Used By" dates. The company is working with the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the outbreak and determine the source of the contamination.

Grimmway Farms has also set up a hotline for consumers with questions about the recall: 1-888-919-0787.

Advice from the CDC

The CDC recommends that consumers take the following steps to prevent E. coli infection:

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. * Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. * Cook meat thoroughly to kill bacteria. * Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products. * Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. * Clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with raw meat or poultry.

Conclusion

The E. coli outbreak linked to Grimmway Farms pre-cut carrots is a serious public health concern. Consumers who have purchased the recalled carrots should not eat them and should seek medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms. The CDC is investigating the outbreak and working with Grimmway Farms to determine the source of the contamination.