More Carrot Products Recalled in Deadly E. Coli Outbreak

Three products have been added to the organic carrot recall linked to a deadly Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week.

On Wednesday, F&S Fresh Foods initiated the recall of two Whole Foods Market products—organic carrot sticks and a combo pack of organic carrot sticks and celery—after the supplier, Grimmway Farms, notified them of potential E. coli contamination of the carrots in both packages.

Online retailer Fabalish voluntarily recalled boxes of its Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites on Monday also in connection to E. coli contamination from Grimmway Farms.

The original recall, voluntarily issued Saturday by Grimmway Farms, included bagged organic baby and whole carrots, sold in stores like Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Target, that were connected to 39 E. coli infections, including 15 hospitalizations and one death.

The E. coli cases were reported in 18 states, but the newly recalled carrot sticks and celery were only sold in 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 in connection to the newly recalled products.

Like the other recalled produce, the affected products should no longer be in stores but may still be in consumers’ fridges or freezers.

Three more products have been recalled in connection with the current E. coli outbreak and Grimmway Farms carrot recall.

• Fabalish Kickin’ Carrot Falafel Bites, sold in a 10-ounce orange box with lot code 260925.
• Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Sticks, sold in a clamshell with coding information including the letters “GH,” followed by three digits from 236–284; best if sold by dates range from 9/1/24–10/19/24.
• Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrots & Celery, sold in a clamshell with coding information including the letters “GH,” followed by three digits from 236–284; best if sold by dates range from 9/1/24–10/19/24.

Fabalish, Inc., is urging customers to throw the affected products in the trash 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 not to eat them—throw them away and clean and sanitize any surfaces and items they came in contact with. The FDA also recommends contacting a healthcare provider if you are concerned about E. coli infection.

Common symptoms of the illness include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody or watery), vomiting, and a low fever. Symptoms are usually felt three to four days after consuming the contaminated food and go away without medical treatment within a week.

Some groups of people have an increased chance of infection and of getting seriously ill, including children younger than 5 years old, adults aged 65 or older, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days
• Bloody poop or pee
• A fever higher than 102°F
• Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing, having a dry mouth or throat, or feeling dizzy
• Signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome, including decreased alertness, loss of color in the cheeks, unexplained bruising or tiny red spots on the skin, irritability, or blood in pee