Grimmway Farms Class Action: Organic Carrots Recalled Due to E. coli

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Grimmway Farms sold organic carrots contaminated with E. coli, leading to a multistate outbreak and consumer illness.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in the United States who purchased the recalled Grimmway Farms organic carrots.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Grimmway Farms, a major producer of organic carrots, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that the company sold carrots contaminated with E. coli bacteria. 

The lawsuit, filed by Wayne Catalano in a New York federal court, stems from a recent recall of Grimmway Farms organic carrots due to a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H19 infections.

Catalano claims that Grimmway Farms failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential for E. coli contamination in its carrot products, resulting in illness and potential long-term health complications for those who consumed the affected carrots.

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Grimmway Farms Organic Carrots

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Grimmway Farms organic carrots in November 2024, following an investigation into a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to the company's products. As of November 17, 2024, the FDA had recorded 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and one death related to the outbreak across 18 states.

The recalled carrots were sold under various brands, including Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Whole Foods, and were available at retail stores across the U.S. from August 14 to October 23, 2024. The recall also included baby carrots with specific "best-if-used-by" dates through November 7, 2024.

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment, food, and intestines of people and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause illness, with symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. 

Symptoms typically start 3 to 4 days after consuming the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days. However, in some cases, E. coli infection can lead to serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, which may require hospitalization.

Grimmway Farms Accused of Failing to Warn Consumers About E. coli Risk

The lawsuit alleges that Grimmway Farms failed to disclose the potential for E. coli contamination on its product packaging or in its advertising, leaving consumers unaware of the health risks associated with consuming the carrots.

Catalano claims that he and other consumers purchased the recalled carrots based on the belief that they were safe to eat. He argues that Grimmway Farms' omission of information about the potential for E. coli contamination misled consumers and resulted in them purchasing a product that "had no value" due to its safety risks.

In the contaminated carrots lawsuit, he also criticizes Grimmway Farms' recall efforts, asserting that the recall failed to adequately protect consumers and that a class action is necessary to hold the company accountable for its alleged negligence.

Catalano seeks to represent anyone in the United States who purchased the recalled carrots. It demands that Grimmway Farms cease its allegedly deceptive marketing practices, provide refunds to consumers who purchased the contaminated carrots, and take steps to improve its food safety practices to prevent future outbreaks.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Wayne Catalano v. Grimmway Enterprises Inc.
• Case Number: 7:24-cv-08817
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Michael R. Reese (Reese LLP)
• Jason P. Sultzer and Daniel Markowit (Sultzer & Lipari PLLC)
• Nick Suciu III, Russell M. Busch and Trenton R. Kashima (Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC)

Did you purchase any of the recalled Grimmway Farms organic carrots? Share your experience in the comments below.