The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its highest risk level alert for a recent recall of fresh tomatoes due to potential salmonella contamination.
The recall was started by Williams Farms Repack LLC on April 29, after a warning from Southeast Tomato Distributors about possible contamination from H&C Farms.
Why This Recall Matters
The recalled tomatoes were shipped to stores and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Salmonella can cause serious illness, especially in children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms of salmonella infection (salmonellosis) include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. These usually appear within 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Most people recover in 4 to 7 days, but the infection can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like arterial infections or endocarditis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates salmonella causes about 420 deaths each year in the U.S.
Details of the Recall
The FDA classified this recall as Class I, the highest risk level, warning that eating these tomatoes could cause serious or fatal health problems.
The recall covers tomatoes shipped from April 23 to April 28, 2025, with the following packaging and lot numbers:
- Packaging types: 5×6 25lb, 6×6 25lb, Combo 25lb, 4×4 2layer, 4×5 2layer, 60ct 2layer, 60ct 18lb loose, XL 18lb loose, 3ct trays
- UPC code: 0 33383 65504 8
- Lot numbers: R4467 and R4470
So far, no illnesses have been reported from these tomatoes.
Expert and Official Comments
Jeongmin Song, a professor at Cornell University, explained that contamination can happen during picking or packaging, but such cases are rare in the U.S. due to strict hygiene rules. She noted that healthy people usually recover quickly from salmonella, but vulnerable groups should be careful.
The FDA stated that when a company recalls a product, the FDA shares this information for public safety but does not endorse any product or company.
The CDC advises that severe salmonella infections may require hospitalization because the bacteria can spread beyond the intestines.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FDA says the recall is ongoing. If you have tomatoes with the affected lot numbers or packaging, you should:
- Do not eat them
- Throw them away safely or return them to the store for a refund
- Contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, for questions
