Last month, a series of carrot products were removed from Whole Foods Market shelves. This led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigning the most severe safety classification to the recall. It all began when Grimmway Farms recalled some of its organic whole and baby carrot products, which are believed to have affected 19 brands across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. F&S Fresh Foods also distributed two contaminated produce-containing products to the organic grocery chain.

Why the Recall Matters

The voluntary recall of Organic Carrot Sticks and Organic Carrots & Celery was announced by F&S Fresh Foods on November 20. Subsequently, it was classified as a Class 1 recall, which indicates a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death. In a previous press release, the California-based company stated that it initiated the recall after being notified by Grimmway Farms that whole organic carrots supplied to them might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli O121:H19. E.coli, although treatable, can cause serious infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms range from severe stomach cramps to diarrhea, nausea, and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carrots from Grimmway Farms linked to multiple brands are associated with a recent outbreak that has claimed one life and sickened 38 others since September 6. Illnesses have been reported in 18 states, with the highest number of cases in Washington. The agency believes the true number of infections is likely higher as many people do not seek medical care or get tested for E.coli. F&S Fresh Foods has recalled the two carrot products from specific Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada.

Company Responses

In a previous email to Newsweek, Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby emphasized that safety and quality are top priorities and that they are conducting a "thorough review" of their "growing, harvest, and processing practices." He wrote, "We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously."

Next Steps

Although no known illnesses have been reported to F&S Fresh Foods yet, the company has urged its customers to discard the two vegetable products and seek medical attention if they suspect contamination. They stated, "If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they may have touched." Consumers with questions can contact the company at (888)449-9386 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PT, Monday through Friday.