Grimmway Farms has recalled some of its organic whole and baby carrots, affecting 19 brands in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

The company voluntarily issued the recall Saturday because the carrots may have been contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19, a producer of Shiga toxin.

E. coli O121:H19 is a bacteria that can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

“Certain infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurological problems,” the company said in its statement. intermediary of the Food and Drug Administration.

Symptoms to watch for include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

The affected carrots are not expected to be available in grocery stores, but some people may still have them in their kitchen, Grimmway Farms warned.

The recall was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that carrots may be linked to an outbreak.

As of Saturday, 39 illnesses and one death had been linked to an outbreak of E. coli O121:H19.

Grimmway Farms said: “Consumers who purchased carrots from the table below and still have them in their refrigerator or freezer should not consume them; they should be destroyed or thrown away so that they cannot be consumed.

“If you have these products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched. Consumers concerned about illness should contact a health care professional.”

When News week contacted Grimmway Farms by email for comment, he was directed to his statement by President and CEO Jeff Huckaby.

He said: “We take our role in ensuring the safety and quality of our products seriously. The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we are conducting a thorough review of our growing, harvesting and processing methods. Our food safety team works with our suppliers and health authorities.

The following available organic whole carrots, which were on sale at retail from August 14 to October 23, are affected by the recall:

The following organic baby carrots (cut and peeled) are affected by the recall: