Urgent warning issued as E. coli outbreak linked to carrots leaves one dead and 15 hospitalised

Consumers are advised against consuming any of the recalled products and are urged to inspect their refrigerators and freezers for the specific carrots in question.

An urgent alert has been issued following an E. coli outbreak associated with carrots, resulting in one fatality and an additional 15 individuals requiring hospitalization.

The bacterium, scientifically referred to as Escherichia coli, is typically found in the intestines of humans and animals.

While most strains are relatively benign, certain variants can lead to severe health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is responsible for causing significant foodborne illnesses.

Individuals infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli generally exhibit symptoms within three to four days after exposure, which may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.

Although most patients recover without medical intervention, some may experience serious kidney complications requiring hospitalization after five to seven days.

Authorities in the United States have issued a critical warning regarding a recent outbreak linked to organic carrots.

A statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted: “CDC and public health officials across several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections associated with various brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms.

“Carrots currently available in stores are likely not contaminated, but there may be affected products in consumers’ homes. If you possess any recalled carrots, please dispose of them or return them to the retailer.”

The primary recommendation from the CDC is to refrain from consuming any recalled bagged organic carrots, with consumers instructed to thoroughly check their refrigerators and freezers for the specific recalled items.
Grimmway Farms, along with brands such as Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry, offered Whole Organic Carrots for sale in stores from approximately August 14, 2024, to October 23, 2024. It is important to note that the bags of organic whole carrots do not display any best-if-used-by dates.

The outbreak has been traced back to organic carrots (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images).

Consumers are advised to thoroughly wash any items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled organic carrots using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

According to a recall notice issued by Grimmway Farms, the specific products in question “may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19.”

The company is conducting a voluntary recall of these carrots following reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating a potential link to an outbreak.

As of now, there have been 39 reported illnesses and one fatality associated with the E. coli O121:H19 outbreak.

Grimmway Farms has also reached out to customers who received the affected products directly and has requested that these customers inform their distributors about the recall.

The farms implicated in this situation are no longer in production, and none of the recalled carrots have tested positive for E. coli O121:H19.

LADbible Group has contacted Grimmway Farms for further comment.

Featured Image Credit: Nancybelle Gonzaga Villarroya/Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library/Getty Images.
Officials have issued an urgent alert following an E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s products, resulting in one fatality and 49 reported illnesses, with 10 individuals requiring hospitalization.

This outbreak has compelled McDonald’s locations across the United States to eliminate quarter pounders and slivered onions from their menus due to concerns regarding the potential link to these ingredients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 49 cases of illness in multiple states, with one death reported. While many strains of E. coli, or Escherichia coli, are generally harmless, certain variants, particularly the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), also known as Escherichia coli O157, can lead to severe foodborne illnesses, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In light of this situation, the CDC has provided a list of symptoms commonly associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which typically include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. The onset of symptoms usually occurs 3 to 4 days after exposure to the bacteria, with most individuals recovering without medical intervention within 5 to 7 days. However, some may develop serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), necessitating hospitalization.

The CDC advises individuals to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms:

Signs of dehydration, such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness upon standing.

Diarrhea accompanied by a fever exceeding 102°F, including diarrhea lasting more than 3 days without improvement or bloody diarrhea

Excessive vomiting that prevents the intake of liquids
McDonald’s has been compelled to eliminate several items from its menus across various locations (Scott Olson/Getty Images).

“In accordance with our safety protocols, all local restaurants have been directed to withdraw this product from their inventory, and we have suspended the distribution of all slivered onions in the affected region,” stated Piña.

He further remarked, “As a precautionary measure, we are also temporarily discontinuing the Quarter Pounder in restaurants within the affected areas, which include Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

“We prioritize food safety and believe this is the appropriate course of action. Restaurants impacted by this decision will receive a stock recovery notice today and should contact their field supply chain manager or distribution center for any inquiries.

“We are collaborating closely with our suppliers to restore the supply of the Quarter Pounder in the upcoming weeks, with timing varying by local market. Meanwhile, all other menu items, including other beef offerings such as the Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Big Mac, McDouble, and Double Cheeseburger, remain unaffected and available. We will continue to engage with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are dedicated to providing timely updates as we work to reinstate our full menu.”