Eight Washington residents, including five who were hospitalized, have been infected by a nationwide outbreak of E. coli linked to organic carrots.
One person has died and 15 have been hospitalized in the outbreak that involves 39 people from 18 different states, according to a news release by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are no known cases in Whatcom County as of Monday, Nov. 18, according to Whatcom County Health and Community Services.
The infections are linked to multiple brands of recalled organic whole-bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. Products may have been sold in Whatcom County stores.
“Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people’s homes,” according to Whatcom County Health. “Check your refrigerator. If you have any recalled carrots in your home, throw them out or return them to the store.”
Whole organic carrots that may be infected were available for purchase in stores approximately from Aug. 18–Oct. 23. Baby organic carrots that may be infected include those with best-if-used-by dates ranging from Sept. 11–Nov. 12.
Brands included in the recall include:
- 365
- Bunny Luv
- Cal-Organic
- Compliments
- Full Circle
- Good & Gather
- GreenWise, Marketside
- Nature’s Promise
- O-Organic
- President’s Choice
- Simple Truth
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegmans
- Wholesome Pantry
For more information on the recall, visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website.
