Tomato Recall: FDA Issues Highest Alert Over Contaminated Tomatoes

Eating the tomatoes could lead to serious health issues, or even death, according to the FDA.

We’re off to a bit of a rocky start to summer produce this season. Tomatoes and cucumbers have both been recalled in the past month, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced that a tomato recall has been upgraded to a Class I. This is the highest level of classification, which means that “use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

While these tomatoes are no longer for sale in stores, it’s important to check your freezer and pantry. Salmonella bacteria can survive for weeks in a variety of conditions so storing something in the freezer doesn’t mean it’s safe. The same goes for canning, so if you’ve canned any tomatoes this season, double-check where you purchased them.

What caused the recall?

On May 2, Williams Farms Repack LLC announced a recall of tomatoes due to potential salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacteria that is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This specific outbreak in tomatoes is still under investigation, so we don’t know how exactly the tomatoes were contaminated with salmonella bacteria. The recall was upgraded to a Class I on May 28.

For most people, symptoms of salmonella start 12 to 72 hours after eating something that’s contaminated, according to the FDA. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. If you ate affected tomatoes within the past three days and are experiencing any of these symptoms, go to the doctor.

What stores sold the tomatoes?

The tomatoes were distributed to a variety of grocery stores in these three states: Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We don’t know which specific stores received the tomatoes, so if you’re unsure about the source of your tomatoes, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not consume them.

How do I know if I have a recalled tomato?

The tomatoes were distributed between April 23 and April 28, per the FDA. The tomatoes have brand name H&C Farms or Williams Farms Repack on the label.

Product Description: 3-count tray, 10-pound box, 25-pound box and 60-count two-layer box
UPC: 0 33383 65504 8
Lot Code: R4467 and R4470

Additionally, wholesalers may have received tomatoes in the following large packages:

• 5×6 25-pound, Lot Code R4467
• 6×6 25-pound, Lot Codes R4467, R4470
• Combo 25-pound, Lot Code R4467
• 4×4 two-layer, Lot Code R4467
• 4×5 two-layer, Lot Code R4467
• 60-count two-layer, Lot Code R4467
• 60-count 18-pound loose, Lot Codes R4467, R4470
• XL 18-pound loose, Lot Code R4467

What should I do next?

If you have any recalled tomatoes, do not consume them. This includes any frozen or home-canned tomatoes. Even if the tomatoes do not appear contaminated, throw them away. If you have consumed any of the tomatoes and you feel ill, please seek medical attention.

Related:

• Tomato Recall: Vine Ripe Tomatoes Recalled in 14 States Because of Salmonella Risk
• Major Salmonella Outbreak: Cucumbers Linked to 26 Illnesses in 15 States
• Everything You Need to Know About Salmonella