A nationwide E. coli outbreak associated with organic carrots has impacted the San Diego area, where one local resident fell ill from the same strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to the County of San Diego.

 

Health officials are urging the public to discard whole bagged and baby organic carrots sold under various brands by Grimmway Farms.

 

“If you or a loved one are feeling sick, contact your doctor as soon as possible,” said Ankita Kadakia, M.D., the county’s interim public health officer. “Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria can cause severe kidney issues requiring hospitalization, so it’s important to seek care promptly.”

 

You might also be interested in its Spanish version: Nuevo brote de E. Coli en zanahorias: San Diego

 

Symptoms, which include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, typically appear three to four days after exposure. The outbreak has resulted in one death and affected 39 people, with 15 hospitalizations reported across 18 states.

 

The county warns that while the contaminated carrots may no longer be available in stores, they could still be in homes. It advises disposing of any affected carrots and thoroughly cleaning any surfaces that came into contact with them.