One dead and dozens fall sick after eating contaminated carrots
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One individual has passed away, and nearly 40 people have fallen ill with E. coli after consuming fresh carrots available at major grocery stores nationwide.
The vegetables, including carrots, were available from various retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s, among others, and were sold under different brand names in 18 states.
On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the illnesses are associated with whole-bagged carrots and baby carrots distributed by Grimmway Farms based in California.
According to the CDC, it’s probable that the carrots are no longer available in stores, but they might still be found in households, and it’s advised to dispose of them.
On Saturday, the Food and Drug Administration announced that Grimmway Farms had decided to voluntarily recall their carrots, which were also distributed to retailers in Canada and Puerto Rico. Reports indicate that the company, which was once family-owned, was acquired by the private equity firm Teays River Investments in 2020.
The recalled whole carrots had expiration dates that stretched from August 14 to October 23. Meanwhile, the baby carrots involved in the recall had dates starting from September 11 up to November 12.
Grimmway, located in Bakersfield, California, announced that it is currently examining its methods for growing, harvesting, and processing. The company is collaborating with suppliers and health officials to address this issue.
The most recent surge was triggered by an E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald's Quarter Pounders, which resulted in over 100 individuals becoming ill, and one person unfortunately lost their life. The youngest reported case was a 13-year-old, while the oldest was 88. Initial findings indicated that raw slivered onions used on the Quarter Pounders were probably responsible for the outbreak.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can be found in various places, such as in the environment, water, food, and the digestive tracts of both humans and animals.
While there are numerous harmless strains of E. coli, some varieties can cause significant illness in people.
The recent outbreak linked to McDonald's is due to the presence of E. coli O157:H7. This strain produces a harmful toxin that can result in severe diarrhea and may lead to kidney failure and other significant health issues, as stated by the CDC.
Individuals may fall ill due to E. coli infections after eating tainted food or coming into contact with infected animals, contaminated surroundings, or other people who carry the bacteria.
