Federal regulators have announced tomatoes recalled across several states due to potential Salmonella danger. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued advisories regarding products from two separate companies.
One recall involves tomatoes from H&C Farms that were sold to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and April 28. These tomatoes may have been packaged under the label "Williams Farms Repack LLC."
A second recall covers four-count packages of vine-ripe tomatoes from Ray & Mascari Inc. These were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms often include fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare instances, infection can result in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
No illnesses linked to these specific tomato recalls have been reported so far, according to the FDA.
Consumers who have purchased the affected tomatoes should either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Information on the specific product codes included in the recalls is available on the check the FDA website.
Questions about the H&C Farms/Williams Farms recall can be directed to Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. EST.