A recall has been issued for several brands of organic carrots across Canada due to potential contamination with E. coli O121, a bacterium linked to serious health risks.
Credit: Statistics Canada
According to the recall notice, the products may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19.
The recall was prompted by Grimmway Farms and was initiated by the FDA in the United States. The recall also covers Puerto Rico.
The affected products include organic whole and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms under various brand names, including Compliments Organic, PC Organics, Bunny-Luv, and Cal-Organic.
The recall encompasses carrots sold from August 14 to October 23, 2024, with some products carrying “Best Before” dates through November 12, 2024.
Examples of recalled items include:
- Compliments Organic Carrots (907 g): UPC 0 55742 50268 8
- PC Organics Baby-Cut Carrots (454 g, 907 g): UPCs 0 60383 69288 9, 0 60383 73643 9
- PC Organics Carrots (907 g): UPC 0 60383 69593 4
- Bunny-Luv Fresh Carrots (907 g): UPC 0 33383 66001 1
- Bunny-Luv Organic Juice Carrots (11.34 kg): 0 78783 90227 9
- Cal-Organic Baby-Cut and Whole Carrots (various sizes): Multiple UPCs
These products may remain in consumer refrigerators or freezers despite being removed from store shelves.
What to Do:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) urges consumers to check for recalled items and either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Food contaminated with E. coli may appear normal but pose significant health risks.
Health Risks:
Per the news release, E. coli O121:H19 can cause symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases may lead to life-threatening complications, including kidney damage and strokes. At-risk groups include children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
While no illnesses have been reported in Canada, caution is advised.