The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded an ongoing tomato recall to its highest warning level over concerns of salmonella contamination.
On May 28, the agency designated the recall as Class 1 — its highest warning level — meaning there is a risk of “serious adverse health consequences or death.” The latest recall is for three states: Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Williams Farms Repack announced on May 2 that it was voluntarily recalling tomatoes supplied by H&C Farms after being notified that there was a risk the produce was contaminated with salmonella. The potential source of contamination was not immediately known. The FDA says no illnesses or deaths have been reported as of the recall date.
The bacteria from salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and for months in wet environments, like freezers. The FDA advises customers not to consume the recalled tomatoes and to instead throw them out. Here’s what customers can look for.
Which tomatoes are part of the Class 1 recall?
A label for the recalled tomatoes distributed by Williams Farms Repack, LLC. (Food and Drug Administration)
Here are the tomato products distributed by Williams Farms Repack that are affected, as listed on the FDA website:
Tomatoes with lot code R4467
3 ct trays; UPC# 0 33383 65504 8
Tomatoes with lot code R4470
Are there any other recent tomato recalls?
Additionally, a tomato recall initiated by Ray & Mascari, based in Indianapolis, was upgraded to Class 1 by the FDA on May 13; the following tomatoes tomatoes were recalled in early May:
Four-count “vine ripe tomatoes” packaged in clamshell containers, specifically 20-ounce (1-pound, 4-ounce)/567 g packages with UPC# 7 96553 20062 1. The label says it was “Packed by Ray and Mascari, Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204.”
The master case cardboard box would contain 12 four-count containers. The label would have Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B on the box.
The recall was initiated by Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Immokalee, Fla., “due to the possible presence of salmonella in their facility,” according to the company’s announcement posted on the FDA’s website on May 3.
A label for the recalled Ray & Mascari tomatoes. (Food and Drug Administration)
What is salmonella and what are the symptoms?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can make people sick. It’s also the leading cause of foodborne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The FDA says people who get infected with salmonella can have these symptoms: fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. A salmonella infection can also result in more serious illness or can sometimes be fatal in young children, frail or elderly people or others with weakened immune systems.
Where were the recalled tomatoes sold?
The tomatoes from Williams Farms Repack were packaged and sold to wholesalers and distributors in the following states between April 23 and April 28:
The Ray & Mascari tomatoes were sold through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following states:
