F&S Fresh Foods of Sacramento, CA, is recalling Whole Foods Market organic carrot sticks and celery/carrot sticks in relation to an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19 infections.
The recall was initiated after F&S Fresh Foods was notified by Grimmway Farms that whole organic carrots supplied to F&S Fresh Foods may be contaminated with E. coli O121:H19. The associated outbreak has caused numerous infections and killed one. As of Nov. 21, no illnesses have been confirmed as related to the Whole Foods Market fresh cut products.
The F&S products supplied to Whole Foods that are being recalled are Whole Foods Market 15-ounce Organic Carrot Sticks and Whole Foods Market 15-ounce Organic Carrots & Celery. The products should no longer be in stores but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
The recalled products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho and Nevada.
The containers are plastic clamshells with coding information that includes the letters “GH” followed by three digits ranging from 236 – 284. Best if sold by dates range from Sept. 24 to Oct. 19.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 888-449-9386.
The outbreak of E. coli infections is under investigation by the FDA. As a result, dozens of brands of organic carrots and organic baby carrots have been recalled. As of Nov. 17 one person had died.
In connection with the outbreak, Grimmway Farms has directly recalled 35 brands and weight sizes of organic carrots and baby carrots. For photos and label information of the recalled carrots, click here. The recalled carrots were distributed nationwide and include popular brands sold at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts and other retailers. Bunny Luv is among the recalled brands.
The Food and Drug Administration reported the outbreak on Nov. 17, saying that there are 39 confirmed patients. Fifteen patients have required hospitalization and one has died. So far, 27 patients have been interviewed, with 26 of them reporting eating eating carrots before becoming ill. Patients got sick beginning the first week of September. The patient with the most recent symptom onset became ill on Oct. 27, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated products and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.
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