ALAMOSA — An E. coli outbreak related to organic carrots has sickened 39 people with 15 people hospitalized. One person died from the infection. 

According to federal health officials, initial investigations indicate that the contaminated carrots came from Grimmway Farms, one of the world’s largest carrot growers.  

Grimmway Farms organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots, which are packaged under a number of brand names, have been impacted. The contamination was discovered on Nov. 14, prompting a nationwide recall. It was confirmed on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) website on Nov. 16.  

Cases have been reported in 18 states across the country, including Colorado where three to four cases have been reported with Washington, Minnesota and New York reporting the highest numbers.  

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), E. coli infections can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. Symptoms usually show up three to four days after the bacteria is consumed. Most people recover on their own after five to seven days, but many recover without knowing they had been sickened by E. coli, leading health authorities to suspect the number of cases might be significantly higher than what has been reported. 

People with severe symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell the provider what they ate, the CDC said. E. coli can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA. 

The cases emerged between Sept. 6 and Oct. 28, which means that the contaminated carrots are no longer on the shelves in grocery stores but may still be in people’s refrigerators.  

Grimmway organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots are packaged under 19 different brand names at grocery chains and major retailers such as Marketside from Walmart and Simple Truth from Kroger (dba City Market), Albertson’s (dba Safeway), Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.  

All three grocery stores in Alamosa confirm having sold Grimmway organic carrots packaged under different names. 

Anyone who purchased organic whole carrots between Aug. 14 and Oct. 23 are instructed to throw the carrots away. No best-if-used-by-dates were printed on the bags of organic whole carrots. 

Those brands include 365: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb; Bunny Luv: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb, 25lb; Cal-Organic: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 6lb, 10lb, 25lb; Compliments: 2lb; Full Circle: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb; Good & Gather: 2lb; GreenWise: 1lb, 25lbs; Marketside: 2lb; Nature's Promise: 1lb, 5lb; O-Organics: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 10lb; President's Choice: 2lb; Simple Truth: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb; Trader Joe's: 1lb; Wegmans: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb; and Wholesome Pantry: 1lb, 2lb, 5lb. 

“Best-if-used-by-dates” were printed on the packages of the organic baby carrots. 

Organic baby carrots with specific best-if-used-by dates include 365: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb (SEP 11 24-NOV 02 24); Bunny Luv: 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 5lb (SEP 11 24-NOV 12 24); Cal-Organic: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb, 2pk/2lbs (SEP 11 24-NOV 02 24); Compliments: 1lb (SEP 14 24-OCT 24 24); Full Circle: 1lb (SEP 14 24-OCT 24 24); Good & Gather: 12oz, 1lb (SEP 14 24-NOV 02 24); GreenWise: 1lb (SEP 11 24-OCT 26 24); Grimmway Farms: 25 lb bag (SEP 11 24-OCT 03 24); Marketside: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb (SEP 11 24-NOV 02 24); Nature's Promise: 1lb (SEP 13 24-OCT 25 24); O-Organics: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb (SEP 11 24-NOV 02 24); President's Choice: 1lb, 2lb (11 SEP 24-02 NOV 24); Raley’s: 1lb (SEP 14 24-OCT 23 24); Simple Truth: 1lb, 2lb (SEP 14 24-NOV 02 24); Sprouts: 1lb, 2lb (SEP 13 24-NOV 04 24); Trader Joe's: 1lb (SEP 13 24-NOV 04 24); Wegmans: 12oz, 1lb, 2lb (SEP 14 24-NOV 02 24) and Wholesome Pantry: 1lb, 2lb (SEP 16 24-NOV 07 24). 

“We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously,” said Grimmway Farms President and CEO Jeff Huckaby. “The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest, and processing practices. Our food safety team is working with our suppliers and health authorities.” 

According to information also posted on the Grimmway Farms website, the implicated farms are out of production.