Two cases of illness reported in NJ to carrot recall
By: David M. Zimmer
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... An E. Coli outbreak linked to contaminated carrots has sickened over three dozen people in 18 states. including two in New Jersey.
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The outbreak has led to one death, 15 hospitalizations, and a sweeping recall of organic carrots sold under multiple brands, federal officials confirmed.
..... Public health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the outbreak, which has been traced to organic whole bagged and baby carrots sold by California-based Grimmway Farms.
..... The recalled carrots were available in stores between August 14 and October 23 [2024] and are no longer on store shelves, but officials said they may still be in consumers' homes. Brands affected by the recall include Trader Joe's Nature's Promise, Bunny Luv and Wegmans.
..... Officials urge consumers to check their refrigerators and dispose of any potentially contaminated products. Consumers should also clean any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled carrots, using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
..... E. coli O121, the strain linked to this outbreak, can cause gastrointestinal illnesses ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications.
..... Symptoms typically appear two to eight days after consumption of contaminated food and include abdominal cramps, dehydration and fever, CDC officials said.
..... Of the E. coil cases reported from the organic carrot outbreak, two are from New Jersey and five are from neighboring New York, CDC records show. Still the CDC officials said the actual number of cases in this E. coli outbreak is likely much higher than reported. Many people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested, and recent cases may not b included in the count, as it often takes three to four weeks to confirm whether a reported illness is part of an outbreak, officials said.
..... The
whole carrots affected by the recall lack best-if-used-by dates and were sold in bag sizes ranging form 1 pound to 25 pounds. Brands include 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O-Organics, President's Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe's, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.
..... The baby carrots have dates ranging form September 11 to November 12. [2024] Brands include 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature's Promise, O-Organics, President;s choice, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.
..... For additional information visit the CDC or FDA website for updates on the investigation and recall.