Massive Carrot Recall: Salmonella Risk Triggers Removal of Popular Brands

Major U.S. carrot brands recalled after salmonella contamination risk surfaces through routine company testing.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Major U.S. carrot brands recalled after salmonella contamination risk surfaces through routine company testing.

Massive Carrot Recall Hits Popular Brands Over Salmonella Concerns

In July 2021, a sweeping recall was issued for several widely recognized carrot brands throughout the United States. Triggered by concerns of salmonella contamination, this recall prompted swift action both from food safety authorities and major grower Grimmway Farms. The move underscores the ongoing challenges of safeguarding fresh produce supplies and highlights critical protections in place for public health.

What Sparked the Carrot Recall?

The recall was initiated following a routine internal quality test conducted by Grimmway Farms, one of the nation’s leading carrot producers. This precautionary test flagged potential salmonella contamination within certain batches of pre-packaged carrots. Reacting rapidly, Grimmway Farms voluntarily recalled several lines, working in close cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to notify consumers and prevent illnesses.

Date of announcement: July 2021
Company involved: Grimmway Farms
Nature of the hazard: Possible salmonella contamination
Voluntary recall extends to both retail and food service products

Why Is Salmonella Such a Serious Threat?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening foodborne illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk.

Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear 6 to 72 hours after ingestion and can include:

Fever
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal cramping or pain
Occasionally, more severe complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis

No illnesses had been linked to the recalled carrots at the time of announcement, but the warning was issued out of an abundance of caution to protect consumers from any potential exposure.

Which Carrot Brands and Products Are Impacted?

Grimmway Farms produces carrots under several popular brands, many of which are staples in U.S. households and retail outlets. The recall targeted specific products with defined UPC codes and best-if-used-by dates, some of which were distributed nationally.

The affected products are retailed under the following brand names:

Bunny Luv
Cal-Organic
Grimmway Farms
O Organics

Specific products included:

Bunny Luv Organic Cut and Peeled Baby Carrots (1-lb bag)
Bunny Luv Organic Premium Petite Carrots (3-lb bag)
Cal-Organic Organic Petite Carrots (12-oz bag)
Grimmway Farms Shredded Carrots (10-oz bag)
O Organics Organic Peeled Baby-Cut Carrots (1-lb bag)
O Organics Organic Baby Rainbow Carrots (12-oz bag)

In addition, certain shredded and chopped carrots were recalled from food manufacturers and food service distributors. Most of these food-service products were recaptured before reaching consumers.

Checking Your Carrots: Product Identification Table

Brand	Product	Package Size	Best-If-Used-By Date	UPC
Bunny Luv	Organic Cut and Peeled Baby Carrots	1 lb	August 2021	Check FDA website
Bunny Luv	Organic Premium Petite Carrots	3 lbs	August 2021	Check FDA website
Cal-Organic	Organic Petite Carrots	12 oz	August 2021	Check FDA website
Grimmway Farms	Shredded Carrots	10 oz	August 2021	Check FDA website
O Organics	Organic Peeled Baby-Cut Carrots	1 lb	August 2021	Check FDA website
O Organics	Organic Baby Rainbow Carrots	12 oz	August 2021	Check FDA website

Please refer to the official FDA recall notice for exact UPC numbers and best-if-used-by dates.

Retailers and Distribution

The affected carrot products were widely distributed across the United States and found in major supermarkets, including but not limited to:

Albertsons Companies stores
Whole Foods
Target
Wegmans
Other regional grocery retailers

Products not bearing the specified UPC codes or use-by dates were not affected by the recall. If in doubt, consumers are advised to consult store recall notices or contact customer service for clarification.

What To Do If You Have Recalled Carrots

Consumers who bought these recalled carrots are advised to take immediate action to prevent any risk of illness.

Check your packages: Locate the UPC code and best-if-used-by date on your carrot packaging.
If your product matches the recall: Do not eat it.
Discard the carrots: Safely dispose of the product, ideally sealing it in a plastic bag to prevent contact with other food.
You may also return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact Grimmway Farms at 1-800-301-3101 (M-F, 8am-8pm) for questions or further guidance.

Retailers have also been instructed to remove these products from their shelves and alert customers with recall notices at points of sale and online.

Understanding Salmonella: Infection, Symptoms & Risks

Salmonella bacteria are among the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide. In this case, the contamination was detected before any illnesses occurred, showcasing the effectiveness of regular food safety checks.

Common symptoms of Salmonella infection

Fever and chills
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
Abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Headache

Most healthy adults recover in a few days to a week, but infants, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems may require medical attention. Rarely, severe complications such as blood infection (bacteremia), arterial infection, or arthritis can occur.

What To Do if You Become Sick

Monitor your symptoms if you develop gastrointestinal distress after eating carrots.
Stay hydrated and rest.
If you have high fever, severe diarrhea, or symptoms in a vulnerable person, seek medical care promptly.

How Are Food Recalls Conducted?

Food recalls in the United States are coordinated between companies, the FDA, and sometimes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When a food safety issue is identified, voluntary recalls are quickly issued to minimize public exposure.

After a potential contaminant is detected, steps include:

Immediate notification of retailers and distributors
Product removal from sale and distribution
Public alerts and media advisories for consumer awareness
Internal investigation to trace the contamination source

In this instance, the recall was proactively initiated by Grimmway Farms, following their ongoing commitment to quality and customer health.

Preventing Salmonella Infection From Produce

Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling produce.
Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water—even if you plan to peel them.
Separate produce from raw meat, poultry, and seafood during preparation and storage.
Use clean cutting boards and utensils.
Refrigerate cut or peeled produce promptly.

While no method can eliminate all risk in the case of internal contamination, these steps reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination and infection.

Why Are Voluntary Recalls Important?

Even if no illnesses have been reported, voluntary recalls are a cornerstone of minimizing harm by stopping at-risk foods from reaching or remaining in consumer kitchens. They help maintain public trust and proactively address any emerging risks from the food supply.

Company Response and Commitment to Safety

Jeff Huckaby, President and CEO of Grimmway Farms, emphasized the company’s top priorities: “The health of our customers and the integrity of our products are our highest priorities, and we will continue to monitor and communicate as additional information is available.”

This statement reflects the industry’s protocol and ongoing communication in such events, with a pledge to keep consumers informed of any developments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Have any illnesses been linked to the recalled carrots?

A: No illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall. The action was taken as a strictly preventive step after detecting potential contamination in testing.

Q: What should I do if I have purchased one of the recalled carrot products?

A: Do not eat the carrots. Safely dispose of them or return to the retailer for a refund. Wash your hands and clean any surfaces the carrots contacted.

Q: How can I find out if my carrots are part of the recall?

A: Check the brand, product type, UPC, and best-if-used-by date on the packaging. These details are listed in recall notices, online by the FDA, and at points of purchase.

Q: Can I get salmonella from cooked carrots?

A: Cooking carrots to a safe internal temperature can destroy salmonella bacteria, but in the case of a recall, it is recommended to discard the product rather than risk contamination.

Q: Is it safe to buy carrots now?

A: Only specific batches and UPC codes were affected. Products not listed in the recall or with different best-if-used-by dates are considered safe. Always check for updated notices from retailers and the FDA.

Key Takeaways For Consumers

Check all carrot products at home against the recall information and dispose of any that match the listed details.
Always follow recall instructions for any food—do not attempt to salvage or cook potentially contaminated products.
Monitor updates from the FDA and your retailer for the latest food safety alerts.

For the most current details, consumers are encouraged to consult FDA recall notices and direct communications from Grimmway Farms or their local grocery stores.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete