Several states in the United States have reported cases of E. coli infections caused by carrots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 18 states in the United States have cumulatively reported dozens of cases of E. coli infections associated with eating carrots.

According to data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday (November 17), a total of 39 carrot-related E. coli infections have been reported across the country so far, 15 of which required medical attention and one died, Xinhua reported.

An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked these infections to bagged organic carrots and baby carrots supplied by "Grimway Farms" in California. The company has recalled several brands and sizes of carrot products on Saturday and is working with the FDA to determine the source of the contamination and whether other products are affected.

The CDC released details of the recalled products' brands, best before dates, and reminded the public to avoid eating any carrot products that are included in the recall. If you have severe symptoms of E. coli infection, seek medical attention immediately.

E. coli is a common bacteria found in the gut of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some can cause illness. The food safety incident was caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H9.

Symptoms of this type of E. coli infection, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, usually appear three to four days after eating contaminated food, according to the CDC. Most infected people recover on their own five to seven days after symptoms appear, but some patients may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome and require hospitalization.