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An E. coli outbreak in the United States has left dozens of people infected and one person dead after consuming packaged organic carrots.
In total, 39 people were infected and 15 were hospitalized in 18 states after consuming organic whole or baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
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Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, has recalled organic whole and baby carrots sold in bags under multiple brand names, including 365, Cal-Organic, Nature’s Promise, O-Organics, Trader Joe’s and Wegmans, among other varieties.
People infected with E. Coli often have severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
E. coli cases in the US
They warn consumers not to eat the recalled carrots and to check their refrigerators or freezers and throw away any carrots that match the description.
The outbreak has been located in 18 states in the United States: South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas, Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Oregon and Washington.
It should be remembered that in October, more than 100 McDonald’s customers fell ill due to an E. coli outbreak in the United States linked to sliced onions. In the United Kingdom, one person died in an E. coli outbreak in June linked to lettuce that sickened at least 275 people. Organic nuts sickened consumers in 19 states with E. coli infections in April.
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Guest 1: Dr. Kathryn Wiestling, Epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1. Can you explain the current E. coli outbreak linked to packaged organic carrots, including the number of people affected and the risk level associated with consuming these carrots?
2. What are the symptoms of E. coli infection, and how long after consuming contaminated food do they typically appear?
3. How does the CDC determine which food products are responsible for the outbreak, and what criteria do they use to issue a recall?
4. What measures should consumers take to protect themselves from E. coli exposure, especially when it comes to produce like carrots?
5. Are there any trends or patterns you’ve noticed in recent E. coli outbreaks, and what can be done to prevent future occurrences?
Guest 2: Dr. Robert King, Chief Science Officer at Grimmway Farms
1. As the producer of the recalled carrots, how did Grimmway Farms become aware of the E. coli contamination issue, and what steps have you taken to address the situation?
2. What tests or procedures were implemented to ensure that only contaminated products were recalled, and what measures are in place to prevent future contamination?
3. What does the recall process entail, and how have you communicated with consumers about the recall?
4. Have you observed any changes in production methods or handling procedures that could have contributed to the contamination?
5. In light of this incident, what can consumers do to maintain trust in the organic food industry, particularly when it comes to produce?
