Three products have been added to the organic carrot recall linked to the deadly Escherichia coli (E. coli)epidemic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week.
F&S Fresh Foods on Wednesday initiated a recall of two Whole Foods Market products — organic carrot sticks and a combo pack of organic carrot and celery sticks — after being notified by their supplier, Grimmway Farms, of potential E. coli contamination of carrots in both packages.
Online retailer Fabalish voluntarily recalled boxes of its Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites on Monday also in connection with E. coli contamination from Grimway Farms.
The initial recall, which Grimmway Farms voluntarily issued on Saturday, involved bagged organic baby and whole carrots sold at stores such as Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Target, which were linked to 39 E. coli infections, including 15 hospitalizations and one death.
The E. coli cases have been reported in 18 states, but the recently recalled carrot and celery sticks were sold only at Whole Foods locations in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho and Nevada. Fabalish’s Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites were distributed directly to customers who purchased the product on the company’s website.
No illnesses have been reported related to the newly recalled products.
Like other recalled products, the affected products should no longer be in stores, but may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.
Three other products have been recalled in connection with the current one E. coli Grimmway Farms carrot outbreak and recall.
- Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites, sold in a 10-ounce orange box with lot number 260925.
- Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Stickssold in a clamshell case with coding information including the letters “GH” followed by three digits from 236–284; best if sold by dates between 9/1/24–10/19/24.
- Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic carrots and celerysold in a clamshell case with coding information including the letters “GH” followed by three digits from 236–284; best if sold by dates between 9/1/24–10/19/24.
Fabalish, Inc. urges customers to trash affected products and send a photo to orders@fabalish.com for a full refund.
If you find these Whole Foods products in your kitchen, the FDA says don’t eat them—throw them away and clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects they came in contact with. The FDA also recommends contacting a healthcare professional if you are concerned E. coli infection.
Common symptoms of the disease include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody or watery), vomiting and a low-grade fever. Symptoms are usually felt three to four days after consuming contaminated food and disappear without medical treatment within a week.
Some groups of people have an increased chance of infection and serious illness, including children younger than 5, adults 65 or older, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers. Contact your doctor if you experience serious symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days
- Bloody stools or pee
- A fever higher than 102°F
- Signs of dehydration, such as lack of urination, dry mouth or throat, or dizziness
- Signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome, including decreased alertness, loss of color in the cheeks, unexplained bruising or small red spots on the skin, irritability or blood in the urine