A California food company recalled on Friday baby carrots that may be contaminated with shigella, a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea.

This followed a warning by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that people should shun fresh baby carrots distributed to Kroger/Ralphs and Trader Joe's grocery stores in California by a food company based in the city of industry in Los Angeles.

The packaged carrots, distributed by the Los Angeles Salad Company, may be contaminated with shigella, a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, said the department.

The product, sold in seven-ounce plastic bags, was sent to Kroger/Ralphs stores labeled "Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots" with the Los Angeles Salad Company brand name and to Trader Joe's stores with the store's brand name.

The food company recalled the product with sell-by dates of Aug.16 and earlier. The product, which was imported from Mexico, has been distributed to other North American stores.

There are currently no reports of illness associated with the product in California.

Four persons in Canada became ill after eating the carrots earlier this month. No deaths have been reported.

"Food safety is a cornerstone of our business and our products are subjected to rigorous testing," said the Los Angeles Salad Company in a statement posted on its Web site. "A thorough investigation is underway, the results of which will be available later this week."

Food contaminated with the shigella bacteria may not look or smell spoiled. Persons who are infected with the bacteria may develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed. The diarrhea may be bloody.

The illness usually lasts from five to seven days. In some people, especially young children and the elderly, symptoms can become severe and require hospitalization.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled carrots should throw them away or return them to the store from where they bought them. People who have eaten the carrots and have any of the above symptoms should immediately contact their doctor.