Nationwide E. coli outbreak traced to Bakersfield Grimmway Farms
Grimmway Farms, the world's largest carrot producer, is at the center of a nationwide E. coli outbreak, prompting a recall of their products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for potentially contaminated carrots. The recall affects whole carrots available for purchase between August 14 and October 23, and baby carrots with best-if-used-by dates ranging from September 11 through November 12.
As of now, 39 people have been infected, 15 hospitalized, and one death reported.
Environmental attorney Vineet Dubey from Custodio & Dubey said, "We've seen a lot of E. coli outbreaks and in almost every instance, lawsuits have been filed."
Dubey noted that Grimmway Farms might face lawsuits due to their size and capability to provide restitution. "Grimmway Farms may also get sued because they are such a big organization and because they obviously would be able to be sued in court, and potentially provide restitution as well," he said.
Dubey explained that settlement amounts could vary, especially in cases involving children, the elderly, or death. "If you have cases where this happens, then the lawsuits become a lot more potentially valuable and the settlements become larger," he said.
He added that while companies often try to resolve such issues quickly, it can take two to three years for a resolution if not settled.
Aaron Hegde, an economics professor at California State University, Bakersfield, commented on the potential economic impact on Kern County. "Normally, if there is a lot of losses, like say in the hundreds of millions, then the company might have to scale back on employees," Hegde said.
However, Hegde estimated that even one recall could cost a company around $10 million, but he believes Grimmway Farms should not face a significant financial loss or job cuts. "There shouldn't be a change. Yeah, because this is, as far as recalls go... This is not a major recall," he said.
