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As you gear up for Thanksgiving festivities, double-check the carrots you bought for turkey roasting, gravy making, or caramelizing: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a noted carrot supplier issued a recall of several brands of organic carrots (baby and whole) due to potential E. coli contamination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the carrots are potentially linked to an E. coli outbreak across 18 states that, so far, has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death.
As of November 16, Grimmway Farms recalled bags of the vegetables that were shipped to retail stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. According to the FDA, the affected products should have already been pulled from grocery store shelves, however, may still be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. So, for peace of mind, you may want to have a dig through the produce drawer.
The products affected are:
Brands impacted include 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O Organics, President's Choice, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry.
The FDA is concerned that the above veggies were contaminated with E. Coli, a bacterium that may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Symptoms of E. Coli typically occur three to four days after consuming affected food, per the Mayo Clinic, and may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.
If you believe you may have any of the affected carrots, the CDC and the FDA recommend throwing them away and not consuming them. The FDA also suggests disinfecting any surfaces the carrots touched if you think you have any of the affected vegetables. If you are concerned about being or becoming ill, the FDA says to contact a medical professional.
Below is a list of specific carrot lots affected by the recall.
Again, should you have any affected product, do not eat it, and be sure to dispose of it promptly. If you think you have contracted E. coli, reach out to a medical professional who may further assist you.