A one-person E. coli illness has prompted a recall of organic and baby carrots sold in supermarkets across the United States.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39 instances have been reported so far in 18 states, and 15 people are currently in hospitals.
The recall pertains to bagged carrots that Grimmway Farms sells to major supermarket chains, such as Wegmans, Walmart’s Marketside, Target’s Good & Gather, Whole Foods’ 365, and Trader Joe’s.
According to officials, impacted products should be thrown out or returned to stores for reimbursement if they are still in homes even though they are probably no longer in stock.
According to the AP news agency, the majority of infected individuals reside in New York, Minnesota, and Washington, with California and Oregon coming in second and third.
According to the CDC, the recalled organic whole carrots were sold from August 14 to October 23 but lacked a best-if-used-by date on the packaging. Additionally recalled are organic baby carrots whose best-if-used-by dates fall between September 11 and November 12.
The CDC also advised consumers to clean and sterilise any surfaces they may have come into contact with, in addition to discarding any recalled goods.
The symptoms of O121 E. coli typically appear three to four days after the organism is swallowed and include vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe stomach pains.
According to the CDC, the majority of people heal on their own, but others may experience severe renal issues and require hospitalisation.