A lawsuit has been filed against Grimmway Farms in Kern County, California, following a nationwide E. coli outbreak linked to their carrot products. The legal action was initiated by Ron Simon & Associates and The Gomez Trial Attorneys on behalf of Melinda Pratt, who became seriously ill after consuming Bunny Luv Fresh Organic Carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms.
According to case documents, Pratt purchased the contaminated carrots on September 30, 2024. After consumption, she developed severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. When Pratt’s condition worsened over two weeks, she sought medical treatment and was hospitalized for three days beginning October 21, 2024. Medical tests confirmed she was infected with shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), and subsequent health department investigations linked her illness to Grimmway Farms’ carrots.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this outbreak has affected 39 people across 18 states. Of these cases, 15 individuals required hospitalization, and one death has been recorded. The specific strain identified in the outbreak is E. coli O121:H9, found in both whole carrots and baby organic carrots from Grimmway Farms.
The CDC continues to track additional cases as part of their ongoing investigation. Health officials advise consumers who have purchased these carrots to dispose of them immediately and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of E. coli infection.
Ron Simon & Associates has established a dedicated Grimmway Farms E. Coli Claim Center to assist other affected individuals at 888-335-4901 or www.ronsimonassociates.com. The law firm, which has handled numerous food safety cases over the past 31 years, said that it has previously secured over $850 million in settlements for clients in food poisoning cases.
The legal proceedings aim to address compensation for affected individuals and ensure implementation of enhanced food safety measures at Grimmway Farms. This case represents the first lawsuit filed in response to this specific outbreak, though additional legal actions may follow as the investigation continues.
The contamination incident has drawn national attention to food safety protocols in vegetable processing and distribution, particularly regarding organic produce handling and testing procedures.
Commenting on this article, national E. coli lawyer Dr. Tony Coveny of Ron Simon & Associates, said “In E. coli cases like these, we gather evidence from lab results, food handling practices, and supply chains to determine where the contamination occurred and who is responsible. Our firm looks forward to uncovering how the contamination happened and securing compensation for damages suffered by our client.”
