Well, it looks like the carrot mess continues… F&S Fresh Foods is recalling 15 oz. Whole Foods private label Organic Carrot Sticks and Carrots & Celery due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19, a strain of bacteria that you definitely don’t want in your digestive system. This recall was issued after F&S Fresh Foods was notified by Grimmway Farms, their carrot supplier, about potential contamination. The products should already be off the shelves but if you still have them in your fridge or freezer, get rid of them, now according to the FDA. Let’s get into the crunchy details and figure out what went wrong.
What happened?
It all started when Grimmway Farms—the supplier of the organic carrots used in F&S Fresh Foods’ products—raised the red flag about potential E. coli O121:H19 contamination in their carrots on November 16th. This prompted a recall of Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Sticks and Carrots & Celery. If you’re holding onto any of these products, it’s time to pay attention because this contamination could cause some serious stomach problems!
These products were sold at Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada.
Brand | Product | Size | UPC Code | Best by Date | Issue |
Whole Foods Market | Organic Carrot Sticks | 15oz | 826766810536 | 9/1/24 to 10/19/24. | Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19 |
Whole Foods Market | Organic Carrot and Celery | 15oz | 826766810529 | 9/1/24 to 10/19/24. | Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19 |
What caused the issue?
These products may have been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19. E. coli O121:H19. What’s this now? A bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and people with a weakened immune system. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans can range from 24 hours to as much as 10 days. The average incubation period is 3 to 4 days. The recall was initiated on November 20, 2024, and while no illnesses have been reported yet for this specific product, the outbreak caused by Grimmway’s carrots already has 39 confirmed victims and one death.
Here’s what you should do
If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:
- Check the label:
UPC code – carrot sticks: 826766810536
UPC code – carrots and celery: 826766810529
Code info: Coding information will include the letters “GH” followed by three digits ranging from 236 – 284
Best by dates: 9/1/24 to 10/19/24. - Identify the product:
Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrot Sticks
Whole Foods Market 15 oz. Organic Carrots & Celery - What to do with the product:
If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they may have touched. - Contact info:
Consumers with questions may contact the company at (888)449-9386, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm PT, Monday through Friday.
Behind the brand
F&S Fresh Foods is based in Sacramento, California, and they distribute organic produce and other food products to retailers, primarily Whole Foods Market in various states. Despite this unfortunate recall, F&S Fresh Foods has a generally good reputation for providing high-quality, organic products. It’s important to note, however, that recalls like this serve as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and inspection in food production. In this case, the issue was traced back to their carrot supplier, Grimmway Farms, and it’s a great example of how one link in the supply chain can impact the entire product line.
Ensuring safe eats
Foodborne illnesses like this are a big deal—not just for consumers but for the food industry as a whole. A recall can cause consumers to lose trust in a brand, and nobody wants to be the company responsible for getting people sick. This is why it’s crucial for companies to implement strict food safety standards and thorough quality checks throughout their entire production and distribution process.
For more updates on this and other recalls reach out to our team. Stay safe, and happy eating!
