Salmonella: Foods and symptoms you need to know
Learn about the top foods likely to contain salmonella and the symptoms to be aware of. Protect your health by staying informed about potential contamination risks.
For Georgians preparing lunch, be careful if you’re considering a BLT.
The FDA has recently announced two recalls of tomatoes for possible salmonella contamination. Here’s what we know:
What was recalled?
On April 29, Southeast Tomato Distributors notified Williams Farms Repack LLC some tomatoes distributed between April 23 and 28 may be contaminated. The brand name is H&C Farms Label. Those recalled were in the following sizes:
- 5×6, 20 lb: No UPC, Lot No. R4467
- 6×6 25 lb: No UPC, Lot No. R4467, R4470
- Combo 25 lb: No UPC, Lot No. R4467
- 4×4 2 layer: No UPC, Lot No. R4467
- 4×5 2 layer: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467
- 60 count 2 layer: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467
- 60 count 18 lb loose: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467, R4470
- XL 18 lb loose: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467
- 3 count trays: UPC 0 33383 65504 , Lot No. R4467
The other recall was for Ray & Mascari which called back four-count vine rip tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers. They weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces with “UPC 7 96553 20062 1” and a master case label of “RM250424 15250B” or “RM250427 15250B.”
Where were the contaminated tomatoes sold?
The first recall was issued for wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The second said their vine ripe tomatoes were sold at Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Salmonella typically lives in animal and human intestines and are shed through feces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food.
Some people with salmonella have no symptoms. Most develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within three days after exposure. Most healthy people recover within a week or less without treatment, but it could potentially lead to serious issues if it spreads.
What to do if I have infected tomatoes?
If you believe you have some of the infected tomatoes, do not eat them. Those with questions about the H&C Farms recall should call Jason Breland at (843) 866-7707 or (843) 599-5154 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those with questions about the Ray & Mascari recall should call the company at (317) 637-0234 Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].
