There are currently ongoing recalls for tomatoes due to potential Salmonella contamination. The FDA has issued Class 1 recalls for these tomatoes, which is the highest risk level, meaning there’s a reasonable probability that consumption could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Here’s a summary of the situation:
- Recalled Products: Two main companies are involved in the recalls:
- Williams Farms Repack LLC: Recalled various sizes of tomatoes sold under the Williams Farms Repack label and H&C Farms label. These were distributed to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and April 28, 2025.
- Ray & Mascari Inc.: Recalled “4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes” packaged in clamshell containers. These were sold by Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
- Contaminant: Both recalls are due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- Risk Level: The FDA has elevated some of these recalls to Class I, indicating a high risk of serious illness or death.
- Symptoms: Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections.
- Reported Illnesses: As of early June 2025, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these specific tomato recalls.
- Recommendations: Consumers who have purchased these recalled tomatoes are urged not to consume them. They should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Even freezing the tomatoes may not kill the bacteria, as Salmonella can survive for weeks in wet environments like freezers.
It’s important to note that while there are ongoing Salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers, the recent “deadly tomato outbreak” specifically refers to these Salmonella-related tomato recalls. There are no current widespread E. coli outbreaks linked to tomatoes.
