(Ithaca, N.Y., November 19, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community to a recall on multiple sizes and brands of organic whole and baby carrots which were sold at grocery stores in our region (including Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Tops, Walmart, Target, Aldi's and GreenStar Food Co-op). The carrots have been linked to an outbreak of E. coli from bagged organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms. A complete list of all impacted items is available online. If you have a product included in this recall, do not consume; consumers are advised to throw the products away, as washing and cooking will not reduce the risk of E. coli.
To date, 39 cases of E. coli have been reported, with 5 cases reported in New York State, including one from Tompkins County. Of the 39 cases, 15 cases have required hospitalization and 1 death has occurred. The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for E.coli.
E. coliis a type of bacterial infection that causes a form of food poisoning. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later.
Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.
With any illness that causes diarrhea and/or vomiting, dehydration is a large concern, especially for children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions.
Monitor for symptoms if you may have consumed any of the recalled products. Contact your health care provider if symptoms develop.
For more information on the recall, visit: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-organic-carrots-november-2024.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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