The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has issued a recall alert for several carrot brands due to potential E. coli O121:H19 contamination. The recall, announced by Grimmway Farms, affects organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots sold under various brand names, including 365 Whole Foods Market, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Good & Gather, and O Organics. These products were available in supermarkets and retailers across the United States, including Hawai‘i.
The Food and Drug Branch (FDB) of the DOH is collaborating with local retailers to ensure that these recalled products are removed from sale. A complete list of the affected products can be accessed on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website.
E. coli O121:H19 infection symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms may appear one to ten days after consuming contaminated food. While most healthy adults recover within a week, some cases can lead to severe complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children and the elderly. This condition can result in kidney failure and other serious health issues.
Consumers who have purchased these carrots are advised not to consume them but instead dispose of them safely by sealing them in a zippered package. Additionally, it is recommended to clean surfaces that have come into contact with these products to prevent cross-contamination.
To date, there have been 39 reported illnesses and one death linked to these contaminated products nationwide. The DOH is investigating any potential illnesses or adverse effects related to this recall in Hawaiʻi.
For further inquiries about the recall or additional information on the affected products, consumers can contact Grimmway Farms at 800-301-3101 during business hours or visit their website at grimmway.com.