On Nov. 16, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials in several states announced they were investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections linked to multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. Grimmway Farms recalled multiples sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots.

Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people’s homes. If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store. Thirty-nine people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 18 states. Fifteen people have been hospitalized and one person has died.

Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.