US vegetables supplier Grimmway Farms has recalled more than a dozen brands of bagged carrots due to potential contamination with E. coli O121.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked the outbreak to organic whole and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms. The carrots are marketed under retailer brands for grocers including Kroger and Wegmans.

According to CDC figures issued on Sunday (17 November), the outbreak has taken in 18 US states. There have been 39 reported cases of illness, 15 hospitalisations, and one fatality, the CDC said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that 96% of those who fell ill had consumed carrots.

The FDA and CDC, working with state and local health authorities, are investigating the outbreak linked to organic whole and baby carrots supplied by the California-based vegetables supplier.

While carrots currently on store shelves are not believed to be contaminated, the CDC has warned that affected products may still be in consumers' homes.

The organic whole carrots were sold from 14 August through 23 October. The organic baby carrots have best-if-used-by dates from 11 September to 12 November.

Commenting on the recall, Grimmway Farms president and CEO Jeff Huckaby 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, harvest, and processing practices. Our food safety team is working with our suppliers and health authorities.”

The FDA also urged consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled products and dispose of them immediately.

“Distributors and retailers that may have received recalled bagged organic whole and baby carrots should follow the recommendations above and contact their customers,” the US regulator added.