Melinda Pratt, a woman from Georgia, filed a lawsuit after being hospitalized with an E. coli infection she contracted from organic carrots from Grimmway Farms that were recalled recently. The affected carrots were sold at major chains like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Target. Pratt purchased Bunny Luv brand carrots, which she had been buying for years, from Sam’s Club on Sept. 30 and experienced symptoms like bloody diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. She was hospitalized for three days due to the infection and filed a lawsuit against Grimmway Farms seeking compensation for medical fees and pain and suffering. The lawsuit is the first related to the E. coli outbreak, which has caused 39 cases, 15 hospitalizations, and one death across 18 states. Grimmway Farms issued a statement saying they are taking the matter seriously and reviewing their operations to ensure food safety. The recalled carrots were sold nationwide and people were advised to dispose of them. E. coli outbreaks are typically associated with poor washing and testing of produce, leaving people relying on the washing process to remove the bacteria. Pratt expressed relief that her family did not eat the contaminated carrots, stating that her experience has made her hesitant to shop for produce in the future. She emphasized the seriousness of the illness and the importance of food safety to prevent future outbreaks.
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