A recall of carrot products due to possible E. coli contamination has been expanded, the Food and Drug Administration announced.
The agency announced Nov. 29 that California-based 4Earth Farms is recalling multiple brands sold at various retailers in seven states out of an abundance of caution after 4Earth was notified by Grimmway Farms that the carrots used in its products may be contaminated are with E. coli. .
All potentially affected 4Earth Farms products have a shelf life ranging from September 7 to November 2 and may no longer be sold commercially, but may still be in homes. No illnesses have been reported related to this latest product recall.
More than a dozen brands of organic carrots were recalled in November over concerns about E. coli contamination. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced an investigation into a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to the carrots after one person died and 15 were hospitalized in connection with the outbreak.
Which products were included in the most recent recall?
The recalled 4Earth Farms products were sold in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Hampshire, Colorado and Minnesota.
Which root products were previously recalled?
The recalled Grimmway Farms organic carrots came from multiple brands sold in various stores across the country. Although they are probably no longer sold in stores, they can still be found in people’s refrigerators.
Here is a list of those recalled organic whole carrotsthat were sold between August 14 and October 23 and have no expiration date:
Here is a list of recalled ones sliced and peeled organic carrotswith bag sizes and expiration dates:
Also recalled were Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites and Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Sticks and Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrots & Celery. Read more about these recalls here.
No new cases of E. coli have been reported
No new illnesses have been reported in association with recalled carrots. As of November 29, the FDA had reported a total of 39 cases in 18 states, including one reported death and 15 hospitalizations.
What is E.coli? What are the symptoms?
Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria reside harmlessly in the intestines of people and animals. But some can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illness when consumed, the CDC says.
The types of E. coli that can cause diarrhea usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces. For example, food handlers can spread infections if they do not practice good handwashing hygiene after using the restroom. Animals such as livestock can also spread E. coli to food and food crops.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, according to the CDC.
The agency recommended seeking immediate medical attention if someone experiences:
- Diarrhea and fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that does not improve
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you can’t keep the fluids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not much urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizzy feeling when standing up
Max Hauptman is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com.
