National Health Advocacy Group Reminds Consumers the Likely Source of E. Coli in Carrots Linked to Outbreak is the Meat Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. ؚ— Amid a multistate E. coli outbreak that has killed one and sickened 39 and is linked to a California-based carrot grower that is recalling some of its products, a national health advocacy group reminds consumers the origin of the infection is likely the animal agriculture industry.

Livestock operations and animal waste are the sources of many foodborne bacteria, including E. coli, in produce. The contamination can occur when crops are exposed to animal waste runoff from nearby farms, or a contaminated irrigation system. Unsanitary conditions on farms can also spread the bacteria.

“E. coli comes from the intestines of animals and humans,” said Dr. Roxanne Becker, MBChB, dipIBLM, with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization with 17,000 physician members, “and carrots don’t have intestines.”

According to a Food & Water Watch analysis of USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture data, the industrial animal agriculture industry in the United States is raising more animals on factory farms than ever before, resulting in more animal waste.

“If the animal agriculture industry shifted to plant-based crops,” Dr. Becker said, “it may reduce foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli.”

Taking this step would also benefit the long-term health of Americans. Research shows a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce overweight and obesity, reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The Physicians Committee is currently offering a grant of up to $15,000 for interested farmers to transition from animal agriculture to crops or orchards at ConvertToCrops.org before March 3, 2025.

Note to reporters: To arrange an interview with a Physicians Committee expert, please contact Kim Kilbride at 202-717-8665; kkilbride [at] pcrm.org (kkilbride[at]pcrm[dot]org)