A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots is affecting 18 states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one death and 15 hospitalizations have been reported among the 39 confirmed cases nationwide. No illnesses have been reported in Kansas at this point, but there have been cases in Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.
Several brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots have been recalled by Grimmway Farms. The carrots are no longer on store shelves, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning the public to check their homes as they may still have them.
The carrots have been sold by Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and other retailers.
The symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later.
[ product image courtesy Food and Drug Administration ]