Tomato Recall in 14 States Over Salmonella: Full Product List

A tomato recall due to concerns of possible contamination with the bacteria salmonella has affected 14 states.

Two different recalls have been issued by two different companies, who distributed the potentially contaminated tomatoes — which were produced by supplier Hanshaw & Capling Farms, or H&C Farms, which is based in Immokalee, Florida.

The tomatoes were sold primarily in the South and Midwest, as well as New York and Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted press releases about the recalls on its website on May 2 and 3.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of fatal food borne illness in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can result in a range of symptoms. Some infected people will have no signs, whereas others will develop diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. Most people will recover without treatment, but the bacteria can lead to potentially deadly outcomes, especially in high-risk groups, such as kids under 5 and the elderly.

Salmonella is typically found in raw meat and seafood, raw or undercooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and fruits and vegetables that are exposed to water with salmonella during irrigation or processing.

No illnesses have been reported so far in connection with either tomato recall. If you have purchased a recalled product, discard it and do not consume it. You can return it to where you purchased it for a full refund or contact the recalling firm for more information.

Here’s what to know about the tomato recalls due to potential salmonella contamination.

Which tomatoes were recalled?

Tomatoes in various packages sizes sold at grocery stores, wholesalers and other distributors in 14 states are being recalled. Both recalls were announced on May 2.

The first tomato recall was initiated by Williams Farms Repack LLC, according to the FDA. It affects nine different package sizes of tomatoes sold to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina between April 23 and 28.

•  4×5 two layer, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 60 count two layer, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 3 count trays, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 5×6 25 pound, H&C Farms label, lot code R4467
• 6×6 25 pound, H&C Farms label, lot codes R4467, R4470
• Combo 25 pound, lot code R4467
• 4×4 2 layer, lot code R4467
• 60ct 18-pound loose, lot codes R4467, R4470
• XL 18-pound loose, lot code R4467

The FDA shared the following photos of some of the labels included in the Williams Farms Repack LLC tomato recall:

The other recall involves tomatoes sold by Ray & Mascari Inc., an Indiana-based tomato supplier. The affected products are packs of four tomatoes sold in plastic clamshell containers with the label “Vine Ripe Tomatoes” that also reads “Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc.” They were sold at Gordon Food Service Stores in 11 states.

The master case, a cardboard box containing 12 of these clamshell packs, has either lot number RM250424 15250B or lot number RM250427 15250B, according to the FDA.

Where were the recalled tomatoes sold?

The tomatoes recalled by Williams Farms Repack LLC were sold at wholesalers and distributors in three states:

• Georgia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

The recalled Ray & Mascari tomatoes were sold by Gordon Food Service stores in 11 states:

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

What to do if you bought recalled tomatoes

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with either recall, consumers who purchased any tomatoes affected by the recalls are advised to not consume them and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

The FDA has provided contact details for consumers with any questions or concerns about either recall. Consumers can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 for the Williams Farms Repack LLC recall. For the Ray & Mascari Inc. recall, call 317-637-0234.

Salmonella symptoms

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that most often contaminates fruits, vegetables, raw eggs, meat or unpasteurized dairy products.

A salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, headaches or blood in the stool, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Salmonella infections may clear up on their own within a few days in healthy people, but they can be serious or even fatal for people with weakened immune systems, including babies and young children, pregnant people and older adults.

About 14% of all food recalls in the U.S. last year were due to possible salmonella contamination, according to PIRG, a consumer advocacy group.

To prevent salmonella infections:

• Wash and sanitize surfaces that have come into contact with potentially contaminated food.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching potentially contaminated food or sanitizing surfaces.
• Avoid eating high-risk foods, such as sprouts, if you’re immunocompromised.
• Avoid cross-contamination with any pet food.