Woman from Georgia files lawsuit after contracting E. coli linked to carrot outbreak

Melinda Pratt, a Georgia woman, filed a lawsuit against Grimmway Farms after being hospitalized for three days with an E. coli infection linked to the company’s organic carrots. She had been buying the Bunny Luv brand for years and experienced bloody diarrhea and stomach pain after consuming them. The CDC has reported 39 cases, 15 hospitalizations, and one death across 18 states. Grimmway Farms issued a recall of their carrots sold at major chains like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Target. Pratt’s lawsuit seeks compensation for medical fees and pain and suffering, with her lawyers expecting more cases related to the outbreak. E. coli bacteria spread through fecal matter can contaminate food, causing symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting. Poor washing and testing are common issues in produce-related E. coli outbreaks. Pratt’s family did not eat the carrots. She expressed relief and is now wary of shopping for produce. As the number of E. coli infections in the U.S. continues to grow, cases like Pratt’s serve as a reminder of the risks associated with contaminated produce and the importance of food safety measures.

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