E. coli leads to recall of organic carrots

The Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) is warning residents to check the label on organic baby and whole carrots they purchased from late summer through this fall.

According to WCHCS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is investigating an E. coli outbreak across several states, including Washington, where eight people had fallen ill as of November 17. While no Whatcom County residents have tested positive, the carrots may have been sold in nearby grocery stores.

Carrots sold in stores now likely don’t have E. coli, but the bacteria may be present in carrots already purchased, according to the health department.

The affected carrots are:

• Organic baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 to November 12 from the brands 365, Trader Joe’s, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.

• Organic whole carrots that were purchased around August 14 through October 23 (no best-by dates on packages). The brands are 365, Trader Joe’s, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.

According to the CDC, there have been 39 confirmed E. coli cases that have resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death over 18 states, as of November 16.

Health officials advise people who purchased these carrots should throw them away and wash surfaces they touched with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea that’s often bloody, with symptoms starting three to four days after swallowing bacteria. Treatment is often not needed and recovery occurs typically in five to seven days.

People with severe E. coli should see their doctor. Severe E. coli symptoms include over a 102-degree fever, bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that hasn’t improved over three days, excessive vomiting where liquids can’t be kept down and signs of dehydration. Dehydration includes not peeing much, feeling dizzy and a dry mouth and throat.

Hospitalization is required for people who develop serious kidney problems from E. coli.