Grimmway Farms is one of the world’s largest carrot growers, producers, and shippers. However, the company, which is headquartered in Bakersfield, California, recently drew public attention after recalling several sizes and brands of its bagged organic baby and whole carrots, and people want to know the reasons behind it.
Here’s why carrots were recalled by Grimmway Farms
Grimmway Farms recalled their organic baby and whole carrots belonging to several sizes and sold through multiple brands due to an E. coli outbreak in at least 18 states. As of writing this article, 39 cases of E. coli linked to the carrots have been reported since September, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fifteen of those individuals were hospitalized, and one died. The CDC has since launched an investigation.
“We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously,” Jeff Huckaby, CEO and president of Grimmway Farms, said in a statement. “The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest, and processing practices,” he added.
These carrots were transported to various retail locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Some of the brands they have been sold under are Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Good & Gather, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, and Nature’s Promise, along with Grimmway Farms. While the products are probably no longer up for sale in the stores, it’s possible that some consumers still have them in their homes.
Most reported cases are reportedly in New York, Oregon, Washington, California, and Minnesota. The recalled baby carrots had the best-if-used-by dates spanning from September 11 to November 12, whereas the organic carrots were up for sale in stores between August 14 and October 23.
Grimmway Farms stated that their products might have been infected with “Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli,” a specific strain of E. coli bacteria. Generally, food such as undercooked ground beef, raw milk, or fecal-contaminated produce can potentially carry this strain, which causes several illnesses exhibiting various life-threatening complications, especially in children and the elderly.