Guam, CNMI monitor recall of organic carrots after E. coli outbreak

A massive recall of organic carrots and baby carrots sold at grocery stores across the country was issued by a California grower after a possible outbreak of E. coli that has already killed one person.

Grimmway Farms, which made and packaged the organic carrots, issued the recall on Saturday after nearly 40 cases were recorded in 18 states. At least 15 people were hospitalized and one person has died.

According to the FDA, the recall did not pull any carrots off the shelves at stores as they should no longer be available for sale, however, they may still be in people’s homes and refrigerators.

Guam Public Health's Division of Environmental Health is aware of the E. coli outbreak and has initiated a recall effectiveness check to determine if the affected carrots are being sold on Guam. Currently, the epidemiology team has not received reports of E. coli infections associated with contaminated food products on Guam.

Similar checks are being made in the CNMI by the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.