FDA Gives Tomato Recall Over Salmonella Highest Risk Warning

A recent tomato recall over possible contamination of salmonella has received the highest risk level from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency said.

On May, 28, the FDA marked the tomato recall affecting three states as Class I, meaning there is a risk of “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The tomato recall, initiated by distributor Williams Farms Repack LLC, was first announced on May 2, after the company was notified by its supplier, H&C Farms, that there was a risk the tomatoes had been contaminated with salmonella.

The potential contamination at H&C Farms also led to another tomato recall at the same time, which has since received a Class I designation, as well, per the FDA. These tomatoes were sold by Indiana-based Ray & Mascari Inc. in 11 states.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria and one of the most common causes of fatal food borne illness in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of salmonella infection range from nonexistent in some people to diarrhea, fever, stomach pain or serious complications. Most people will recover without treatment, but high-risk groups, such as kids under 5 and the elderly, may experience more severe illness.

Salmonella is typically found in raw meat and seafood, raw or undercooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and fruits and vegetables that are exposed to water with salmonella during irrigation or processing.

No illnesses had been reported when the recalls were announced.

Here’s what to know about the tomato recalls.

Which Tomatoes Were Recalled?

The Williams Farms Repack LLC recall affects nine package sizes of tomatoes sold to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina between April 23 and 28.

• 4×5 two layer, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 60 count two layer, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 3 count trays, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 5×6 25 pound, H&C Farms label, lot code R4467
• 6×6 25 pound, H&C Farms label, lot codes R4467, R4470
• Combo 25 pound, lot code R4467
• 4×4 2 layer, lot code R4467
• 60ct 18-pound loose, lot codes R4467, R4470
• XL 18-pound loose, lot code R4467

The FDA shared the following photos of some of the labels included in the Williams Farms Repack LLC tomato recall:

The contamination at H&C Farms also led Ray & Mascari Inc., an Indiana-based tomato supplier, to issue a recall, which also received a Class I designation on May 13.

The affected products are packs of four tomatoes sold in plastic clamshell containers with the label “Vine Ripe Tomatoes” that also reads “Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc.” They were sold at Gordon Food Service Stores in 11 states.

The master case, a cardboard box containing 12 of these clamshell packs, has either lot number RM250424 15250B or lot number RM250427 15250B, according to the FDA.

What to Do If You Bought Recalled Tomatoes

Consumers who purchased any tomatoes affected by the recalls are advised to not consume them and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

The FDA has provided contact details for consumers with any questions or concerns about either recall. Consumers can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 for the Williams Farms Repack LLC recall. For the Ray & Mascari Inc. recall, call 317-637-0234.

Salmonella Symptoms

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that most often contaminates fruits, vegetables, raw eggs, meat or unpasteurized dairy products.

A salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, headaches or blood in the stool, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Salmonella infections may clear up on their own within a few days in healthy people, but they can be serious or even fatal for people with weakened immune systems, including babies and young children, pregnant people and older adults.

About 14% of all food recalls in the U.S. last year were due to possible salmonella contamination, according to PIRG, a consumer advocacy group.

To Prevent Salmonella Infections

• Wash and sanitize surfaces that have come into contact with potentially contaminated food.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching potentially contaminated food or sanitizing surfaces.
• Avoid eating high-risk foods, such as sprouts, if you’re immunocompromised.
• Avoid cross-contamination with any pet food.