Canada expands recall of organic carrots at risk of E. coli contamination

Canadian officials say an additional organic carrot product is under recall due to possible E. coli O121 contamination. 

Grimmway Farms recalled various organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots in multiple sizes and brands that were shipped directly to retail distribution centres in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one death and 39 cases, including 15 hospitalizations, in the U.S. in an E. coli outbreak linked to the organic carrots. 

The carrots are unlikely to still be on store shelves, the CDC said, but may still be in the homes of consumers and should be thrown away.

"Consumers should check to see if they have the recalled products by looking for the specific brand, product name and size, UPC and codes in the recall notification," the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advised. 

On Wednesday, CFIA updated its list of affected products in Canada to add another Cal-Organic organic juice carrot product in the 11.34 kilogram size.

The agency also corrected product information for a Bunny-Luv product, saying the additional information was identified during its food safety investigation. 

Food contaminated with E. coli O121 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. 

WATCH | E. coli outbreak linked to various brands of organic carrots:

Organic carrots recalled over link to E. coli outbreak in U.S.

11 days ago

Duration 2:19

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted a recall notice for organic whole and baby carrots after one person died in an E. coli outbreak in the U.S. who ate carrots sold by Grimmway Farms in California. The recall includes President’s Choice and Compliments brands sold in Canada.

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. Severe cases of illness can be fatal.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said it has not identified any cases of illness regarding the recalled products in Canada.