4Earth Farms, LLC, has issued a voluntary recall of various Organic Vegetable Medleys, Conventional Vegetable Medleys, and Organic Whole Carrots due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. The products, distributed to several states including California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, may pose a serious health risk.
Details of the Recall
The recall affects products containing carrots sourced from Grimmway Farms, Inc., which may have been contaminated. The recalled items include vegetable medleys and organic carrots with “Best by” dates from September 7, 2024, through November 2, 2024. Brands and retailers impacted include Wild Harvest, Marketside (sold at Walmart), 4Earth Farms, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Health Risks
E. coli O121:H19 can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections the CDC says, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, with symptoms appearing between 24 hours and 10 days after exposure. In severe cases, infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney damage and other long-term health complications.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers who have the recalled products should not eat them and should dispose of them immediately. Surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the products should be cleaned and sanitized. While no illnesses have been reported so far, consumers experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection should contact a healthcare professional.
The affected products were distributed to New Hampshire, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado.
For further information, consumers can contact 4Earth Farms at 855-918-1706, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT.