US: Escherichia coli in carrots

The US has been hit by an outbreak of Escherichia coli caused by organic carrots affecting 18 states. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 39 cases since the beginning of the year, including 15 hospitalizations, and one death. Recently, many quantities of organic carrots in envelopes were withdrawn from the market by Grimmway Farms, one of the largest producers of carrots in the world. The recall affects carrots currently unavailable for purchase in stores, but may still be present in consumers’ homes. The CDC has recommended that individuals who have recalled carrots should dispose of them or return them to the vendor, and subsequently wash any surfaces they touched. According to the recall notice, products were sold under several brands like Grimmway Farms, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Good & Gather, and others. Most people afflicted with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the strain responsible for the recall of carrots from the market, present with symptoms approximately 3-4 days after ingesting the contaminated food. The incubation period for the disease is 5-7 days, after which the afflicted individuals recover without treatment. Children under 5 and adults over 65 are most at risk. Grimmway Farms is taking action with health authorities to fight the epidemic and guarantee product quality.