According to the FDA, 4Earth Farms, based in Commerce, California, is recalling multiple brands of Organic Vegetable Medley, Conventional Vegetable Medley, and Organic Whole Carrots.
The FDA said that the recalled products may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19, a bacterium that can cause severe health issues, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The agency said symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The incubation period for this strain of E. coli can range from 24 hours to as long as 10 days; however, the average is three to four days.
The recall was initiated after 4Earth Farms was informed by Grimmway Farms that carrots used in their products may have been contaminated with the strain, as reported by the FDA. However, the agency said no related illnesses have been reported to 4Earth Farms as of the Nov. 27 recall date.
The recalled products were distributed in several states, including New Hampshire, Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, and Colorado, and were sold through both retail stores and distributors.
The recalled products can be identified by their “best by” dates which range from Sept. 7 through Nov. 2, 2024. The recall includes various brands such as Wild Harvest, Marketside, 4Earth Farms, and Grimmway. The products were distributed to stores including Albert’s Organics, Walmart, O.K. Produce, UNFI, Kennedy Produce, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
The FDA recommends anyone who may have the products in their homes to dispose of them.
“If consumers still have recalled products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched,” they advised.
The agency said that all the affected items have now been expired for more than three weeks but could still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
For those with concerns or questions, consumers can contact 4Earth Farms at 855-918-1706, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST.
As the investigation continues, the FDA and 4Earth Farms are working to ensure consumer safety and prevent any potential illnesses related to the recall, according to the announcement.
