minnesota department of health

E. coli cases in Minnesota linked to recalled organic carrots  

State health officials urge Minnesotans to dispose of recalled organic carrots

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials are warning Minnesota consumers not to eat select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots due to a multi-state Shiga toxin-producing "E. coli" O121:H19 outbreak announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Five Minnesotans between 15 and 44 years of age became ill between Sept. 21 and Oct. 6. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The illnesses have been linked to eating organic carrots purchased from Costco, Target and HyVee, and brands have included Good and Gather, Bunny Luv and Cal-Organic.  

Across the nation, 39 people infected with the outbreak strain of "E. coli" have been reported from 18 states. Of these cases, 15 people have been hospitalized and one death has been reported.  

Grimmway Farms recalled multiples sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots on Nov. 16. These products are likely no longer in stores for sale; however, the organic carrots may still be in people’s homes.  

Health officials recommend people check their refrigerators or freezers for recalled carrots and throw them away. Do not eat any recalled bagged organic carrots.  

Additional information on the multi-state investigation and all affected brands can be found in these federal alerts:

FDA – Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers’ Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination [ [link removed] ].

CDC – E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots [ [link removed] ].  

Symptoms of illness caused by "E. coli" O121 typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools, but only a low-grade or no fever. People typically become ill three to four days after exposure, but this period can range from one to eight days. Most people recover in five to seven days. However, "E. coli" O121 infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that involves acute kidney failure and other severe problems.  

Anyone who believes they may have developed an "E. coli" O121 infection should contact their health care provider.  

MDH is working with MDA, CDC and FDA on this ongoing, multi-state investigation.  

Approximately 13 cases of "E. coli" O121 infection are reported each year in Minnesota. More information on "E. coli" O121 and how to prevent it can be found on the MDH E. coli website [ [link removed] ].

*-MDH-*

*Media inquiries:*
*Amy Barrett*
*MDH Communications *
*651-201-4993*
*[email protected]* <[email protected]>

*Larry Schumacher*
*MDA Communications*
*651-201-6629*
*[email protected]* <[email protected]>

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

You can update or cancel your subscription at any time by editing your personal profile [ [link removed] ]. You will need your email address and your password (if you have selected one).

P.S. If you have any questions or problems please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ] for assistance. 

STAY CONNECTED: X logo [ [link removed] ]   MDH on X [ [link removed] ]   icon-facebook [ [link removed] ]   MDH on Facebook [ [link removed] ]   icon-linkedin [ [link removed] ]   MDH on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]   icon-instagram [ [link removed] ] MDH on Instagram [ [link removed] ]  
________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Health · 625 Robert Street North · St. Paul MN 55155 · 651-201-5000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]