The November 2024 E. coli outbreak linked to Grimmway Farms organic whole and baby carrots is over. CDC’s final count was 48 illnesses across 19 states, not the 39 illnesses across 18 states in its earlier November 17 update. The recalled carrots are past their shelf life, but CDC and FDA advise checking refrigerators and freezers for any remaining packages.
What happened in the organic carrot outbreak?
In November 2024, public health officials linked a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms. CDC and FDA based the link on epidemiologic evidence and traceback: 33 of 37 people interviewed in the investigation (89%) said they had eaten carrots, compared with 63% of respondents in the FoodNet Population Survey, and traceback identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier across purchases reported by people who became ill. CDC’s final outbreak update and FDA’s investigation summary describe the evidence.
This does not mean investigators found the outbreak strain in the farm environment. FDA reported two outside environmental samples positive for STEC, but neither matched the outbreak strain; the outbreak strain was not detected in those samples.
Why did reports say 18 states, and what was the final count?
The 18-state figure came from CDC’s November 17, 2024 interim update. CDC’s final update, published December 18, reported 48 illnesses in 19 states, with illness onsets from September 6 through November 10, 2024.
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- Selected and stored fresh
- Sourced with high quality standards
- Recommended to wash before consuming
- Delicious on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a recipe
- 1 Case
| CDC report | Illnesses and states | Other reported outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| November 17, 2024 interim update | 39 people in 18 states | 15 hospitalizations and one death reported by that update |
| December 18, 2024 final update | 48 people in 19 states | 20 hospitalizations, one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and one death |
These are reported cases, not necessarily every infection: CDC cautions that counts may be lower than the true number because some people do not seek care or get tested. The final figures and this qualification appear in the CDC final update; the earlier snapshot was announced in its November 17 alert.
Which carrots were recalled?
Grimmway Farms began a voluntary recall on November 16, 2024, and expanded it on November 21 to include additional bag sizes of organic whole carrots. The recalled products included bagged organic whole and baby carrots sold under multiple brands, including 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry. Other companies, including F&S Fresh Foods, Fabalish, and 4Earth Farms, also recalled products made with or repackaged from carrots that may have come from Grimmway Farms.
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- Grown in United States or Mexico
- Nutritious
- Organic
- Grown in Washington
Brand name alone is not enough to identify an affected package. Check the FDA investigation page and recalled-products list for the exact brands, package sizes, and date ranges. FDA also lists the original Grimmway Farms recall announcement.
What should you do if recalled carrots are at home?
CDC and FDA say the recalled carrots are past their shelf life and are no longer for sale, but a package could still be in a refrigerator or freezer. If you find a product listed in the FDA recall information:
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- Grown in United States
- Nutritious
- Organic
- Grown in United States
- Do not eat or use it.
- Discard it.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the product touched.
The outbreak is over; this recall does not mean ordinary carrots currently on sale are implicated. The practical concern is a recalled product that remains in household storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What symptoms did officials warn about?
CDC lists severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, and vomiting among common symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria, and most people recover without treatment within 5 to 7 days. Some infections can lead to HUS, a serious condition that can involve kidney failure. If symptoms are severe, contact a healthcare provider and tell them what you ate. This is general public-health information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. See CDC’s outbreak alert for the original health guidance.
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