Key points
CDC and public health officials in several states are 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. 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.
November 17, 2024
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 infections.
Epidemiologic and traceback data show that organic carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms may be contaminated with E. coli and are making people sick.
Epidemiologic data
As of November 17, 2024, 39 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 18 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 6, 2024 to October 28, 2024. Of 38 people with information available, 15 have been hospitalized and none developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from California.
The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak ("n" is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 27 people interviewed, 26 (96%) reported eating carrots. This percentage was significantly higher than the 63% of respondents who reported eating organic carrots in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating organic carrots.
Laboratory and traceback information
Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people's samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.
People reported buying different brands of carrots from multiple stores. FDA's traceback of some of these purchases identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier of organic whole and baby carrots in this outbreak. In response, on November 16, 2024, Grimmway Farms initiated a voluntary recall of these carrots and contacted their distributors. FDA is working with Grimmway Farms to determine the source of contamination, whether additional products are affected, and what retailers received the recalled carrots.
Public health actions
Although the recalled bagged organic whole and baby carrots are likely no longer available for sale in stores, they could still be in your home. Check your refrigerator or freezer and throw them away. CDC is advising people not eat, sell, or serve recalled bagged organic carrots.