The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Class I recalls—the highest risk level—for tomatoes linked to potential salmonella contamination. Two companies have voluntarily recalled raw tomato products distributed across multiple states.
The recalls involve tomatoes produced by Williams Farms Repack LLC under the brand Hanshaw & Capling Farm (H&C Farms) in Florida, and by Ray & Mascari Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Why This Recall Matters
Salmonella contamination poses a serious health risk, especially to young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Infections can cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Severe infections can lead to life-threatening conditions if salmonella enters the bloodstream, causing problems such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, or arthritis.
What You Need to Know
Williams Farms Repack Recall Details:
- Product: H&C Farms Raw Premium Tomatoes, Naturally Grown from Seed
- Packaging: Boxes in sizes ranging from jumbo to 6×7, all refrigerated
- Affected Lot: 098 14TO3-1
- Distributed in: Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Massachusetts
- Recall Initiated: April 29, 2025
- FDA Classification Date: May 13, 2025
- Quantity: 3,651 boxes recalled
Ray & Mascari Recall Details:
- Product: Vine Ripe Tomatoes in clamshell and bulk packages
- Affected Lots: RM 250420 to RM 250427
- Distributed in: Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
- Recall Initiated: April 30, 2025
- FDA Classification Date: May 13, 2025
- Quantity: 510 cases recalled
No illnesses have yet been linked to these tomatoes, but the FDA’s Class I designation means there is a credible risk of serious health problems or death if consumed.
Expert Insight on Salmonella
Jeongmin Song, microbiology and immunology professor at Cornell University, said food contamination during picking and packaging can happen due to factors like polluted fertilizers or contaminated equipment. However, strict hygiene standards in the U.S. keep such cases rare.
She noted that healthy people usually recover from salmonella infections, but vulnerable groups should be especially cautious. Washing tomatoes thoroughly can help remove most bacteria.
The FDA advises people to watch for symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Severe cases may include high fever, rash, blood in stool or urine, and lethargy, requiring immediate medical attention.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers should check their tomatoes for the affected lot numbers and discard any matching products immediately.
For questions or to report illness:
- Ray & Mascari Inc.: Call 1-317-637-0234 (Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
- Williams Farms Repack LLC: Call 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
