An E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic baby carrots and whole carrots from Grimmway Farms has resulted in one death in California and 15 hospitalizations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Overall, there have been 39 E. coli cases from the carrots in 18 states as of Nov. 17.

Washington had the most cases with eight. Oregon and California each had three cases.

Illnesses started from Sept. 6 to Oct. 28.

The true number of sick people is likely much higher than reported, as many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.

“In addition, recent illnesses may yet be reported as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” stated the CDC in an investigation update.

Reviewing practices

Grimmway Farms, headquartered in Bakersfield, Calif., is the largest carrot producer in the world and the largest organic vegetable producer in the U.S., according to its website.

The company has growing locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Florida and Georgia.

In a news release, Jeff Huckaby, president and CEO of Grimmway Farms, said the health of customers and integrity of products were the company’s highest priorities.

“We are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvest and processing practices. Our food safety team is working with our suppliers and health authorities,” he added.

Recall details

On Nov. 16, Grimmway Farms recalled multiple sizes of bagged organic carrots in brands including 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Full Circle, Good & Gather, Greenwise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organic, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Wholesome Pantry.

The baby carrots had “best-by” dates ranging from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12., while the whole carrots had no dates.

These products are no longer in stores but may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

Those with recalled carrots should throw them away or return them to the store.

McDonald’s outbreak

The CDC is actively investigating one other E. coli outbreak, which is linked to yellow onions from Taylor Farms served at McDonald’s locations. That investigation started Oct. 22.

That outbreak resulted in the death of a person in Colorado and 34 hospitalizations as of Nov. 13. Overall, there have been 104 cases in 14 states, including one in Washington and one in Oregon.

Most people in this outbreak reported eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers before getting sick.

The onions in that case came from Taylor Farms, a nationwide operation headquartered in Salinas, Calif.

The company recalled the yellow onions, which were only distributed to food service businesses such as restaurants.

Requests for comment from Grimmway Farms and Taylor Farms were not returned.