On December 18, 2024, the FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 infections linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, California. According to the CDC, this outbreak is over as of December 18, 2024. There was a total of 48 illnesses in 19 states (AR, CA, CO, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WY) and one reported death. Of 47 people with information available, 20 were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. The FDA conducted inspections at Grimmway Farms and collected environmental samples. Two outside environmental samples were positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Although both strains of E. coli detected in the samples are capable of causing human illness, neither match the strain of E. coli causing illnesses in this outbreak. The strain of E. coli causing illnesses in this outbreak was not found in environmental samples; however, epidemiologic and traceback evidence shows that recalled carrots were the likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. FDA is working with Grimmway Farms on corrective and preventive actions. The FDA’s investigation is complete. International Distribution of the carrots was in Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates@ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o121h19-organic-carrots-november-2024#:~:text=According%20to%20CDC%2C%20as%20of,that%20can%20cause%20kidney%20failure.
