The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—the most serious type—on certain tomatoes distributed to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The recall was initiated due to potential Salmonella contamination, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness and even death.
What You Need to Know About the Recall
The affected tomatoes were distributed by Williams Farms Repack, LLC in several packaging types, including:
- 50 three-pack trays
- 77 ten-pound boxes
- 419 sixty-count two-layer boxes
The company was notified of the contamination risk by Southeast Tomato Distributors after receiving reports from H&C Farms, which originally supplied the tomatoes.
Although no illnesses have been officially reported yet, the FDA is urging the public to avoid consumption of the recalled products.
What Is Salmonella and Why Is It Dangerous?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious infections, especially in:
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Common Symptoms Include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
Symptoms usually develop between 6 hours to 6 days after infection and may last 4 to 7 days. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the bloodstream, requiring hospitalization.
How to Identify Recalled Tomatoes
Consumers should check for the following lot codes on their packaging:
- R4467
- R4470
- RM250424 15250B
- RM250427 15250B
If your tomatoes match these lot numbers, do not consume them. Dispose of the product immediately and sanitize any surfaces they may have touched.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Here are steps to take if you think you’ve been exposed to contaminated tomatoes:
- Dispose of the product safely—do not try to cook or wash contamination away
- Wash your hands and surfaces that may have come into contact with the tomatoes
- Monitor your health for symptoms of Salmonella
- Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially if you are in a high-risk group
