A South Carolina-based produce company, Williams Farms Repack LLC, has recalled a range of its fresh tomato products due to possible Salmonella contamination. This voluntary recall, announced on May 2, 2025, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affects tomatoes sold under both the Williams Farms Repack and H&C Farms labels.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but the company and the FDA are taking precautions to protect consumers’ health.
Why This Recall Matters
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called salmonellosis. People usually get sick between 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Dehydration
In most cases, symptoms last 4 to 7 days, but severe cases may require hospital treatment, especially for infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems.
Even though this recall is a safety measure, it’s important to take it seriously to avoid possible health risks.
What You Need to Know
The issue was discovered when Southeast Tomato Distributors informed Williams Farms on April 29 that some tomatoes from H&C Farms could be contaminated with Salmonella. That warning led to the immediate recall of several tomato products.
Recalled Product Details:
- Packaging types include:
5×6 25lb, 6×6 25lb, Combo 25lb, 4×4 2-layer, 4×5 2-layer, 60ct 2-layer, 60ct 18lb loose, XL 18lb Loose, and 3-count trays - UPC Code: 0 33383 65504 8
- Distribution dates: April 23 to April 28, 2025
- States affected: Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
These products were shipped to wholesalers and distributors in the Southern U.S., meaning they may have already reached grocery stores or restaurants.
What Officials and Experts Say
The FDA stated:
“When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company’s announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.”
Meanwhile, the CDC notes that in rare cases, Salmonella infection can spread from the intestines into the bloodstream, which may result in serious complications or hospitalization.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’ve purchased any of the recalled tomato products, you should not eat them. Instead, you can either:
- Throw them away safely
- Or return them to the store where they were bought for a full refund
If you have questions about the recall, you can call Jason Breland at Williams Farms Repack at:
843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST)
The FDA is expected to continue monitoring the situation as the company removes any contaminated products from the market.
Final Thoughts
This recall shows how food safety systems work to protect public health, even when no illnesses have yet occurred. While no one has reported getting sick from these tomatoes, it’s still important to take action and check your kitchen.
Food recalls like this one are a reminder to stay alert and informed, especially when it comes to fresh produce. Salmonella is not always dangerous for everyone, but for some, it can lead to serious health problems. Always follow FDA updates and when in doubt, throw it out.
