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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially elevated a previously announced tomato recall to Class I status—the most severe recall classification, signifying a potential risk of serious illness or death.
The upgrade, made public on May 28, comes weeks after the initial May 2 recall by Williams Farms Repack LLC, which affected fresh tomatoes distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The cause of the recall is a confirmed salmonella contamination.
Details of the Affected Tomato Products
The recalled tomatoes include multiple packaging sizes and lot codes, some of which were sold under the H&C Farms label. The products were distributed between April 23 and April 28, 2025, primarily to wholesalers and food distributors.
The full list of affected products includes:
- 5×6 25lb cartons (Lot R4467)
- 6×6 25lb cartons (Lots R4467, R4470)
- Combo 25lb cartons (Lot R4467)
- 4×4 and 4×5 2-layer cartons (Lot R4467)
- 60ct 2-layer cartons (Lots R4467, R4470)
- 60ct 18lb loose (Lot R4467)
- XL 18lb loose (Lot R4467)
- 3-count trays (UPC 0 33383 65504 8, Lot R4467)
While the tomatoes were primarily sent to distributors and not directly to retailers, the FDA has not yet identified which grocery outlets may have stocked the contaminated products.
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Salmonella: Symptoms and Health Risks
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestinal tract. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and may include:
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
These symptoms can last from a few days to over a week, and in severe cases, especially among young children, elderly individuals, or people with weakened immune systems, salmonella poisoning may lead to hospitalization or even death.
What Consumers Should Do
As of the initial recall announcement, no illnesses or fatalities had been reported. However, the FDA is urging consumers to take immediate precautions:
- Do not consume any of the listed tomato products.
- Check your packaging for lot codes and UPCs that match the affected products.
- Discard the products or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
If symptoms of salmonella develop, especially high fever, dehydration, or blood in the stool, individuals are advised to seek medical attention immediately.
FDA Monitoring and Ongoing Investigation
The FDA continues to investigate the source and extent of the contamination and is working to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation. Health officials are also coordinating with local distributors and state health departments to trace any secondary sales or retail-level exposures.
Consumers are encouraged to stay updated via the FDA’s website and local public health advisories.
