In a serious food safety update, the FDA tomato recall salmonella alert has intensified across the Southeastern United States. Tomatoes sold in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are now considered a Class I recall, meaning there’s a high probability of causing severe illness or even death. Consumers are urged to act immediately, especially if they purchased tomatoes from retailers in these states during late April.
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Why the FDA Tomato Recall Salmonella Alert Is a Big Deal
The tomatoes in question were distributed by Williams Farms Repack LLC and Ray & Mascari Inc., packed between April 23 and April 28, 2025. These batches were shipped to supermarkets and retail chains across more than a dozen states, including Georgia and the Carolinas, where they were sold as fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes.
The FDA tomato recall salmonella alert escalated after multiple people reported symptoms linked to Salmonella infection shortly after consuming these tomatoes. Authorities traced the issue back to H&C Farms in Immokalee, Florida, where contamination likely occurred during packing.
Which Tomatoes Are Recalled?
Check your kitchen and refrigerator immediately for the following:
🍅 Recalled Tomatoes List
| Brand/Distributor | Product Type | Lot Code(s) | Label/UPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Farms Repack | Bulk Tomatoes | R4467, R4470 | No UPC |
| Ray & Mascari Inc. | 4-Count Vine-Ripe | RM250424 15250B, RM250427 15250B | 7 96553 20062 1 |
If any of these are in your home, do not eat them. Dispose of them safely or return to the store for a refund.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella Exposure
Salmonella is not a minor inconvenience. It can become life-threatening for the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. The symptoms typically begin 6–72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
🚨 Be Aware of These Symptoms:
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
- Persistent fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Fatigue and dehydration
Most healthy people recover within a week without medical treatment, but others may require hospitalization.
If you or a family member shows any of the symptoms above after eating tomatoes purchased in late April or early May, seek medical help immediately.
FDA Tomato Recall Salmonella Now Includes Risk of Death
The FDA’s classification of this tomato recall as Class I is its most serious warning level. This category is reserved for products that pose a direct risk of serious health consequences or death. That’s not a label given lightly.
What makes this situation particularly urgent is the geographic spread. While early cases were isolated to Georgia, the recall now spans North Carolina, South Carolina, and 10+ other states, meaning the contaminated tomatoes reached a much broader consumer base than initially thought.
What You Should Do Now
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Even if your tomatoes look fine, contamination is invisible and cannot be washed away entirely.
✅ Take These Steps Immediately:
- Check tomato packaging and labeling for lot numbers and UPCs.
- Throw away any recalled tomatoes you find.
- Disinfect any surfaces or containers they touched.
- Contact the store where you purchased them for recall processing.
- Monitor yourself and your family for signs of illness.
How to Stay Safe from Foodborne Illness
Salmonella outbreaks like this remind us of the importance of food safety at home. Always handle raw produce with care, even when there is no known contamination.
🧼 Everyday Prevention Tips:
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw produce.
- Rinse tomatoes thoroughly under cold water—never use soap.
- Sanitize countertops, cutting boards, and knives after preparing fresh vegetables.
- Store tomatoes and other perishables in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them promptly.
- If you’re immunocompromised, avoid eating raw produce during active recalls.
Engaging Conclusion: Don’t Ignore This Recall
This isn’t just a precaution—it’s a public health crisis. The FDA tomato recall salmonella situation shows how something as simple as a tomato can turn dangerous without warning. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying alert, informed, and cautious. Even if your area isn’t listed now, the recall could expand. Keep an eye out for updates from your local health departments and always prioritize food safety at home.
Concerned consumers should act today. If you bought tomatoes recently, inspect them. If in doubt, throw them out.