**Carrots Recalled Nationwide Due to E. Coli Contamination**

If you've recently purchased carrots or baby carrots, it’s crucial to verify their safety immediately. Popular grocery stores such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are recalling carrots from Grimmway Farms that have been connected to a national E. coli outbreak. This outbreak has resulted in at least 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one fatality.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the recalled carrots were available in stores from August to October 2024. These affected products were sold under various brand names. Specifically, whole organic carrots sold between August 14 and October 23, 2024, and baby organic carrots with best-if-used-by dates from September 11 to November 12, 2024, are the ones in question. For a detailed list of impacted products, consumers can refer to the FDA recall website. Customers who still possess these carrots should dispose of them or return them to the store of purchase. It’s important to note that the carrots currently sold in stores are safe and not part of the recall.

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a potentially life-threatening bacterium that can cause severe symptoms such as dehydration, high fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after ingesting contaminated food and may last up to a week. In some cases, E. coli infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure characterized by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output.

Anyone concerned about a potential foodborne illness should contact their healthcare provider for advice and assistance.