Island residents alerted about recalled carrots linked to E. coli outbreak on mainland

Health officials in nearly 20 states throughout the nation and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak connected with recently recalled organic whole and baby carrots.

The outbreak had caused one death as of Tuesday, as well as 39 reported illnesses and 15 hospitalizations in 18 states.

Hawaiʻi state health officials are also investigating if the carrots have caused any illnesses or adverse effects in the islands.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Food and Drug Branch alerted residents Tuesday that multiple brands of organic whole and baby carrots were recalled by Grimmway Farms because of possible E. coli contamination.

Grimmway Farms announced the recall Nov. 16, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following suit the same day.

The carrots were sold throughout the United States, including at supermarkets and retailers in Hawai‘i.

The brands include:

• 365 Whole Foods Market.
• Bunny Luv.
• Cal-Organic.
• Good & Gather.
• O Organics.

The whole carrots were sold from Aug. 14 to Oct. 23. There were ho best-if-used-by-dates on the bags.

Baby carrots had best-if-used-by-dates ranging from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12.

The recalled carrots should no longer be available for purchase in stores; however, consumers could have them in their refrigerators or freezers.

A complete list of the recalled products can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

You can also find information at the Grimmway Farms website.

The state Food and Drug Branch is working with Hawaiʻi retailers and supermarkets to make sure the recalled products have been removed from their shelves.

Consumers are advised to check if they have any of the carrot brands listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. Those who do have any of the carrot brands should not eat them — they should be sealed in a resealable package and disposed.

The Food and Drug Branch also recommends cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces that came into contact with the carrots to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

E. coli infection symptoms include:

• Severe stomach cramps.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.

The average incubation period for E. coli is 3 to 4 days, but symptoms can appear as early as a day after eating contaminated food and as late as up to 10 days later.

Most healthy adults completely recover within a week; however, some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, in young children and the elderly.

E. coli infection can also lead to the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and/or neurologic problems.

Contact your health care provider immediately if you are exhibiting symptoms after eating any of the recalled carrots.

Consumers with additional questions can contact Grimmway Farms at 800-301-3101 from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.