Grimmway Farms, one of the largest carrot producers globally, has issued a recall of select organic whole and baby carrots due to potential contamination with a strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) linked to a fatal outbreak.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on Saturday, citing serious public health concerns.

OUTBREAK: Investigation of E. coli O121:H9 in bagged organic whole & baby #carrots from Grimmway Farms. The voluntary recall is of multiple sizes & brands. Products are likely no longer available for sale in stores – check your refrigerator. Full list> https://t.co/4hPELJXa7d

— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) November 18, 2024

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The recall was triggered after an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified a connection between the outbreak and the contaminated carrots.

According to the CDC, the E. coli strain O121 can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

E. Coli Outbreak: 39 people are sick in 18 states. Check your homes for recalled bagged organic carrots. Do not eat recalled carrots. Throw them away. Carrots currently on store shelves are not affected. See the notice for a full list of brands of carrots.https://t.co/lzD2Z1SEAw pic.twitter.com/dL4KpqmZr1

— CDC (@CDCgov) November 17, 2024

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The products included in the recall are select organic whole carrots and baby carrots sold under the brands “President’s Choice,” “Simple Truth,” and “Wholesome Pantry.”

The affected whole carrots were available in U.S. retail stores, Puerto Rico, and Canada from August 14 to October 23, 2024.

These products did not have best-if-used-by date labels. The recalled baby carrots had best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, 2024.

The CDC reported 39 cases of illness across 18 states, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one fatality.

The investigation into the source of the contamination is ongoing. Grimmway Farms stated that the farms directly associated with the outbreak are no longer in production and emphasized that none of the recalled carrots have tested positive for E. coli O121.

Authorities have urged consumers to check their homes for the recalled products and to either discard or return them to the place of purchase.

Grimmway Farms has also provided a helpline for further assistance. Surfaces that may have come into contact with the carrots should be cleaned and disinfected with soap and hot water to prevent cross-contamination.

Symptoms of E. coli infection include bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Health officials warn that complications can include hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and other serious conditions.

Consumers experiencing symptoms are advised to contact healthcare providers immediately.

Grimmway Farms, headquartered in Bakersfield, California, is a major player in the U.S. carrot market, producing over 60% of the 100 million pounds of carrots consumed during Thanksgiving 2023, according to Forbes.

The fresh carrot market in the United States is valued at approximately $1.4 billion. Bolthouse Farms, also based in Bakersfield, shares significant market influence alongside Grimmway.

While the investigation continues, the FDA and CDC are working with Grimmway Farms to determine the root cause of the contamination.

The recall serves as a precautionary measure to protect public health.

Consumers with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact Grimmway Farms directly or visit the FDA website for updates on the recall and related health guidance.