A Georgia woman is suing Grimmway Farms after suffering from an E. coli infection linked to contaminated organic carrots. The outbreak has sickened at least 39 people across 18 states and claimed one life.
The 40-year-old plaintiff spent three days hospitalized after consuming Bunny Luv carrots, one of several recalled brands distributed by Grimmway Farms.
Her lawsuit, filed in California, seeks compensation for medical expenses and the physical and emotional suffering she endured.
Her attorney, specializing in foodborne illness cases, said at least six additional clients are preparing lawsuits, with more expected. The outbreak has been traced to Grimmway Farms, a dominant player in the carrot industry, which controls over 80% of the American fresh carrot supply alongside rival Bolthouse Farms.
Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms operate in California’s arid Cuyama Valley, where residents face water scarcity and contamination issues.
Critics argue that the companies’ high water usage, combined with deep well drilling, has contributed to rising levels of boron and arsenic in the local water supply.
Grimmway Farms stated that none of the recalled carrots tested positive for E. coli and that it is cooperating with health officials to review its farming and processing practices. Meanwhile, the fresh carrot market has surged into a $1.4 billion industry, with prices climbing 40% since 2019.
