E. coli O121:H9 Outbreak Investigation: Organic Carrots
November 2024
Introduction
This detailed report covers the multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H9 linked to organic carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms. The outbreak has affected 39 individuals, resulted in 15 hospitalizations, and caused 1 fatality across 18 U.S. states. On November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of multiple brands and sizes of organic whole and baby carrots. Consumers and retailers are advised to follow the safety recommendations provided below.
Recalled Products
The following is a comprehensive list of recalled organic whole and baby carrots:
1. Organic Whole Carrots
These products were sold nationwide in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. They do not have "Best-If-Used-By" dates and were available for retail purchase from August 14 to October 23, 2024.
| Brand | Bag Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 365 | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb | Sold at Whole Foods. |
| Bunny Luv | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb | Distributed widely. |
| Cal-Organic | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb, 25lb | Supplied by Grimmway Farms. |
| Compliments | 2lb | Canadian brand. |
| Full Circle | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb | Organic retailer brand. |
| Good & Gather | 2lb | Target brand. |
| GreenWise | 1lb, 25lb | Publix brand. |
| Marketside | 2lb | Walmart brand. |
| Nature's Promise | 1lb, 5lb | Stop & Shop / Giant brand. |
| O Organic | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb | Safeway brand. |
| President's Choice | 2lb | Canadian brand. |
| Simple Truth | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb | Kroger brand. |
| Trader Joe's | 1lb | Exclusive Trader Joe's brand. |
| Wegmans | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb | Wegmans retailer brand. |
| Wholesome Pantry | 1lb, 2lb, 5lb | ShopRite brand. |
2. Organic Baby Carrots
Organic baby carrots with "Best-If-Used-By" dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024, were also recalled. These products were available in various packaging sizes.
| Brand | Bag Sizes | Best-If-Used-By Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 365 | 12oz, 1lb, 2lb | 9/11/24 - 11/02/24 | Whole Foods brand. |
| Bunny Luv | 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb | 9/11/24 - 11/12/24 | Widely distributed. |
| Cal-Organic | 12oz, 1lb, 2lb, 2-pack (2lbs) | 9/11/24 - 11/02/24 | Includes multipacks. |
| Compliments | 1lb | 9/14/24 - 10/24/24 | Canadian brand. |
| Full Circle | 1lb | 9/14/24 - 10/24/24 | Organic retailer brand. |
| Good & Gather | 12oz, 1lb | 9/14/24 - 11/02/24 | Target brand. |
| GreenWise | 1lb | 9/11/24 - 10/26/24 | Publix brand. |
| Grimmway Farms | 25lb | 9/11/24 - 10/03/24 | Bulk packaging. |
| Kroger | 2lb | 9/14/24 - 11/02/24 | Kroger brand. |
| LIDL | 1lb | 9/16/24 - 11/07/24 | LIDL brand. |
| Marketside | 12oz, 1lb, 2lb | 9/11/24 - 11/02/24 | Walmart brand. |
| Nature's Promise | 1lb | 9/13/24 - 10/25/24 | Stop & Shop / Giant brand. |
| O Organic | 12oz, 1lb, 2lb | 9/11/24 - 11/02/24 | Safeway brand. |
| Simple Truth | 1lb, 2lb | 9/11/24 - 11/07/24 | Kroger brand. |
| Trader Joe's | 1lb | 9/11/24 - 10/30/24 | Exclusive Trader Joe's brand. |
| Wegmans | 1lb, 2lb | 9/11/24 - 11/02/24 | Wegmans retailer brand. |
Safety Recommendations
Consumers, retailers, and distributors should take the following steps to ensure safety:
- Dispose of any recalled products, whether refrigerated or frozen, even if the packaging is missing.
- Wash and sanitize surfaces, utensils, and containers that came into contact with recalled products.
- Monitor for symptoms of E. coli infection, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever, and seek medical attention if needed.
- Retailers should verify their inventory and notify customers about the recall.
More Information
For the latest updates on this outbreak and recall, visit the official FDA page: FDA Outbreak Investigation: E. coli O121:H9 (Organic Carrots, November 2024) .