The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an E. coli outbreak in at least 18 states linked to some organic carrots, which has led to at least one death.
At least 39 cases of E. coli have been linked to carrots since early September, leading to 15 hospitalizations and one death, according to the CDC.
The reported cases of E. coli have been linked to multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic and whole carrots recalled Saturday by Grimmway Farms, a Bakersfield, California-based carrot producer.
The recalled carrots are likely no longer sold in stores, but may still be in people’s homes, Grimmway Farms warns.
People who have recalled carrots should throw them away or return them to the store and clean surfaces they touched, the CDC advises.
The recall includes baby organic carrots with a best-by date of September 11 through November 12 and whole organic carrots available in stores from approximately August 14 through October 23.
The products were sold under multiple brands, including Grimmway Farms, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Good & Gather and others, according to the recall notice.
Reported illnesses may not capture the full extent of an outbreak, as it can take up to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, and many infected people recover without medical care and are never actually tested for E. coli, according to the CDC. .
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Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, a strain related to the carrot recall, usually start experiencing symptoms about three to four days after consuming the bacteria and recover without treatment after five to seven days, according to the agency.
Children younger than five, adults age 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of infection, the CDC says.
Consumers should call a doctor if they develop severe symptoms of E. coli, including diarrhea, fever, vomiting and dizziness, the agency advises.
Grimmway Farms says its food and safety team is now working with suppliers and health authorities to respond to the outbreak.
“We take seriously our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products,” Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby said in a statement.
“The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvesting and processing practices.”