The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of a range of vegetable products produced by 4Earth Farms of Commerce, California, is a Class I risk classification, the most dangerous it can issue.
According to the official FDA website a Class I classification is given in “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The recall was first announced by the FDA on December 6 over fears of Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination, with 4Earth Farms brands Organic Vegetable Medley, Conventional Vegetable Medley, and Organic Whole Carrots affected.
In total, there are nine 4Earth Farms products included in the Class I classification, seven of which are vegetable-based medleys along with bagged organic carrots and organic broccoli slaw.
The FDA said the products in question were being sold at Walmart with “Best by” dates of September 7, 2024, through November 2, 2024.
In a press release, the FDA said E. Coli “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system.” Symptoms include nausea, fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting, though no illnesses linked to 4Earth Farms products had been reported as of December 6.
The initial recall was issued after 4EarthFarms was notified by Grimmay Farms, Inc. that its whole organic carrots, including those in the various vegetable medleys, could be contaminated with E. Coli.
Newsweek contacted 4Earth Farms and Grimmway Farms, Inc. for comment via email outside of regular office hours.
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The December 6 announcement said: “4Earth Farms is voluntarily issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution and based on information received from Grimmway Farms Inc., regarding the possible contamination of its product. All 4Earth Farms items impacted by this announcement have been expired for more than 3 weeks.”
Anyone who believes they may have products included in the recall is urged to throw them away and then clean and sanitize any surfaces they came into contact with.
Earlier this month Grimmway Farms recalled several organic whole and baby carrot products, impacting 19 brands across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
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 has also issued a Class I risk classification for the recall of Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices from 34 Walmart stores in Texas.