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These are some of the recalled organic carrots that may be contaminated with E. Coli. | Photo courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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One Los Angeles County resident has died and at least one other became ill in an 18-state E. coli outbreak involving organic carrots, health officials said Monday.
The LA County Department of Public Health along with state and federal agencies are investigating two local cases of E. coli linked to two kinds of organic carrots from Grimmway Farms.
“One local case … resulted in the death of an adult over 65 with medical conditions,” according to a health department statement.
Officials said the organic bagged carrots and baby carrots were possibly contaminated by the bacteria E. coli, which produces Shiga toxin.
“Residents should check to see if they have recalled carrots at home. These products should be returned or thrown away,” the statement said.
Grimmway Farms issued a recall over the weekend for:
— baby organic carrots with “best-if-used-by” dates from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12, with the brand names 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry; and
— whole organic carrots that were sold in stores from approximately Aug. 14 through Oct. 23 for the brands 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39 cases of E.coli and one death have been linked to the outbreak in 18 states. Three of the reported cases were in California.
More information about the product recall is available on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website fda.gov/safety.
Most people infected with Shiga toxin from E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody and vomiting, health officials said. Symptoms usually begin three or four days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after five to seven days, but severe symptoms require medical treatment.
The best way to prevent E. coli infection is to keep hands clean, prepare food safely in clean spaces and drink safe water, officials said.
