Whole and baby carrots sold at some of the nation’s biggest supermarkets have been recalled over a deadly E. coli outbreak that has killed one and left nearly 40 others sick.
Grimmway Farms recalled its organic whole and organic baby peeled carrots on Saturday because the vegetable may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, according to the FDA.
While the affected carrots should no longer be available in grocery stores, the produce company warned people may still have them in their kitchens.
Grimmway Farms issued the recall after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that their organic carrots may be associated with the latest outbreak.
“Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting,” the FDA warned.
As of Saturday, there were 39 illnesses and one death associated with the outbreak, according to the FDA.
Stores that sell the company’s produce across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico include Walmart, Target, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix and Food Lion.
Canadian chains Loblaws and Compliments were also affected, according to the FDA’s list.
Grimmway Farms warned that customers who purchased organic whole carrots from Aug. 14 through Oct. 23 should not consume them. Organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 12 should also be thrown away, the company said.
Any recalled carrots should be thrown away or returned to the store for a refund, Grimmway Farms said.
“If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched. Consumers concerned about an illness should contact a medical professional,” the company said.
Grimmway added that those concerned about an illness should contact medical professionals.