Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Triggers Recall of Organic Carrots Across Canada and US

Organic carrots are being recalled in Canada and the United States after being linked to an E. coli outbreak. Shutterstock

One person has died and 15 have been hospitalized from E. coli infections linked to organic carrots sold in Canadian and U.S. grocery stores this fall.

Bags of whole and baby carrots have been recalled by Grimmway Farms after an outbreak of E. coli infections that is now under investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The California company supplies carrots to Canada under the 365, President’s Choice, and Compliments brands. Included in the Nov. 16 recall are baby organic carrots with best-before dates ranging from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12 and whole organic carrots sold in stores from roughly Aug. 14 to Oct. 23.

It is thought the carrots were contaminated with E. coli that produce the Shiga toxin. Authorities are advising customers to dispose of the products or return them to stores for a refund.

“Recalled products were shipped directly to retail distribution centers nationwide in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada,” the FDA said in a Nov. 17 statement.

“These products should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.”

The 365 brand is sold by Whole Foods, while President’s Choice is sold by Loblaw-owned stores including Atlantic Superstore, Loblaws, No Frills, Your Independent Grocer, Valu-Mart, and Zehrs. Compliments is sold by Sobeys, which operates all Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, and FreshCo stores.

A complete list of the affected baby carrot products can be found here.

Grimmway Farms said its food and safety team is working with suppliers and health authorities to address the outbreak.

“We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously,” Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby said in a statement. “The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest, and processing practices.”

Health Canada has not posted any information on its site about the recall or if any Canadians have fallen ill, but the FDA said at least 39 illnesses have been reported in the United States with the last person becoming ill on Oct. 28.

The figure may not be a true reflection of the number of illnesses, because it can take as long as four weeks to confirm if a person is part of the outbreak, the CDC said. Many people recover without seeking medical care and, therefore, are never actually tested for E. coli, the agency noted.

E. Coli Dangers

Infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is most dangerous for pregnant women, seniors, children younger than 5, and those with a weakened immune system, Health Canada says.

Some people who get infected with E. coli do not get sick at all. Others may experience nausea and vomiting, headache, mild fever, severe stomach cramps, and watery or bloody diarrhea.

Symptoms typically appear within one to 10 days after exposure to E. coli and end within five to 10 days.

Most people will recover completely on their own, but those who become seriously ill need to be hospitalized, the agency’s website says. In rare cases, some develop life-threatening symptoms such as stroke, kidney failure, and seizures.

“While most people recover completely, others may suffer permanent health effects, like kidney damage,” Health Canada says. “If you think you have an E. coli infection, see your health care provider.”