The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed Monday that the death of an adult over the age of 65 was linked to E. coli from recalled carrots.
The department is investigating another E. coli case in the area that did not result in a death but is among several linked to a multi-state outbreak linked to some brands of recalled carrots produced by a California grower are sold.
No additional details have been released about the local patients affected by the outbreak.
Grimmway Farms, which made and packaged the organic carrots under several brands, launched the recall Saturday after nearly 40 cases were recorded in 18 states. The only death was reported in Los Angeles County, but at least 15 people were hospitalized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
RELATED: Organic Carrots Recalled After E. Coli Outbreak. These are the affected brands and supermarkets.
Where were the carrots sold?
Stores that sold the organic whole-bag carrots and baby carrots include Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Food Lion, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Canadian chains Loblaws and Compliments.
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the recall did not remove carrots from store shelves because they would no longer be available for purchase; however, they may still be in the refrigerator at home.
Which brand of carrots has been recalled?
The affected products were organic baby carrots with expiration dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, with the brands 365, 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, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Healthy Pantry.
Whole organic carrots affected and available in stores from approximately August 14 through October 23 include brands 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O -Organic, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Healthy Pantry.
According to the CDC, the carrots may be linked to an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19, which can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after ingesting the bacteria, and most people recover without treatment after five to seven days.
RELATED video: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/video/medical-expert-discusses-food-contamination-and-recalls/
