Vegetable recall in 7 states: Toss these carrots and broccoli sold at Walmart and other stores over deadly E. coli risk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that there is yet another food recall that Americans need to know about. This time, the recall involves vegetables that experts fear may be contaminated with E. coli. This recall was published by the FDA just days after the agency announced recalls of other vegetables, fruits, and eggs due to Salmonella and Listeria outbreaks.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest recall.

What is the reason for the recall?

The recall involves a number of vegetable medley products as well as whole carrots. The products were produced by 4Earth Farms of Commerce, California, and used carrots provided by Grimmway Farms, Inc.

Grimmway Farms notified 4Earth Farms that some of the carrots it provided may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. As a result, 4Earth Farms decided to issue a voluntary recall of the products using the carrots.

The recalled products consist of popular brand names, including Marketside, Wild Harvest, 4Earth Farms, and Grimmway, and some of the products were distributed through major retailers like Walmart.

What products are being recalled?

As of the time of this writing, nine products are included in the recall. They are:

• Organic Broccoli Medley Wild Harvest 6x12oz (Brand: Wild Harvest)
• Organic Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 6x12oz (Brand: Marketside)
• Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 4x32oz (Brand: Marketside)
• Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 6x12oz (Brand: Marketside)
• Broccoli Stir Fry Medley MKS 6x12oz (Brand: Marketside)
• Organic Broccoli Medley 4Earth Bag 6x12oz (Brand: 4Earth Farms)
• Organic Broccoli Medley Wild Harvest 6x12oz (Brand: Wild Harvest)
• Organic Carrots 48x1lb (Brand: Grimmway)
• Broccoli Medley 4Earth Bag 6x12oz (Brand: 4Earth Farms)

Photos of the recalled products’ packaging can be found here. The recall notice notes that all of the recalled products have been expired for more than three weeks. The recalled products can be identified by their “Best by” dates on the packages, which are September 7, 2024 through November 02, 2024.

However, despite the products being expired for several weeks now, people may still have them in their freezers or refrigerators.

Where were the recalled products sold?

The recalled products were distributed to the following states:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania

The products were sold in retail stores and via distributors. Distributors included Albert’s Organics, Kennedy Produce, O.K. Produce, Sprouts Farmers Market, UNFI, and Walmart. Not all distributors received all the recalled products. A list of where individual products were distributed can be found here.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a bacteria. While some types of E. coli are harmless, others can make humans sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People who become sick with E. coli can come down with myriad problems, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, sepsis, and more.

Infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can lead to a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Those with HUS can face kidney failure and death.

People who are most at risk of an E. coli infection include adults aged 65 or older, children under the age of 5, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers.

What are the symptoms of an E. coli infection?

The CDC says common symptoms of an E. coli infection include:

• Diarrhea that can be bloody or watery
• Stomach cramps that can be severe

People may also present with vomiting or a low fever.

The agency says people should contact their doctor if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than 2 days
• Bloody poop or pee
• A fever higher than 102°F
• Signs of dehydration (listed here)
• Signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome (listed here)

Have the recalled products harmed anyone?

Thankfully, 4Earth Farms has not received notifications of any illnesses yet, according to the November 27 notice posted on the FDA’s website.

What should I do if I have the recalled products?

Check your fridge and freezer for the recalled products. If you have them, do not consume them. Instead, the recalled products should be thrown away and any surfaces they came into contact with should be cleaned and sanitized, according to the notice posted on the FDA’s website.