State health officials link E. coli cases to recalled organic carrots

State health officials are urging Minnesotans not to eat certain organic carrots due to a multi-state E. coli outbreak.

Five Minnesotans became ill between Sept. 21 and Oct. 6. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

The Minnesota Department of Health linked the illnesses 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 have been infected in 18 states, and of these, 15 have been hospitalized and one death was reported.

Grimmway Farms recalled multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots on Nov. 16. These products are likely no longer in stores but may still be in people’s homes and should be thrown away.

Symptoms of illness caused by this strain of E. coli 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. E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that involves acute kidney failure and other severe problems.