A carrot farm in New Cuyama, California, has been identified as the source of an E. coli outbreak, leading to three confirmed cases within the state. Grimmway Farms, operating on this farm for over 30 years, has initiated a recall of affected organic carrot products. These products, including baby and whole carrots under various brands, were distributed to major retailers such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Target, and Sprouts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert on November 17, advising consumers to dispose of the recalled carrots and to clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the products.
Nationally, the outbreak has resulted in 39 confirmed cases and 15 hospitalizations, with one fatality reported in California. Symptoms of E. coli infection, as noted by the CDC, encompass severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Jeff Huckaby, President and CEO of Grimmway Farms, has expressed the company's commitment to product safety and integrity, announcing a comprehensive review of their agricultural practices.
Source: Independent