Williams Farms Repack LLC, a produce wholesaler based in Lodge, South Carolina, has voluntarily recalled several tomato products because of concerns of potential salmonella contamination. The recall was made public on May 2 and concerns tomatoes shipped to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and April 28.
According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after Williams Farms Repack received notification from Southeast Tomato Distributors. The notice indicated that tomatoes that were supplied by H&C Farms, a vendor to Williams Farms, might be contaminated with salmonella.
Which Tomato products are affected?
The affected products comprise all sorts of sizes and packaging arrangements of the tomatoes. All were distributed in bulk quantities to wholesalers and distributors within these three southeastern states. The labels on the tomatoes are either of Williams Farms Repack or H&C Farms.
Here is a breakdown of the recalled products:
| Product | Size | UPC | Lot Code |
| Tomatoes | 5×6, 25 pounds | N/A | R4467 |
| Tomatoes | 6×6, 25 pounds | N/A | R4467, R4470 |
| Tomatoes | Combo, 25 pounds | N/A | R4467 |
| Tomatoes | 4×4, 2-layer | N/A | R4467 |
| Tomatoes | 4×5, 2-layer | N/A | R4467 |
| Tomatoes | 60-count, 2-layer | N/A | R4467 |
| Tomatoes | 60-count, 18 pounds loose | N/A | R4467, R4470 |
| Tomatoes | XL, 18 pounds loose | N/A | R4467 |
| Tomatoes | 3-count trays | 0 33383 65504 8 | R4467 |
What consumers should do
The FDA asks that consumers not eat these tomato products if they have bought any. Consumers are told to return the tomatoes to the vendor for a full refund or else dispose of them safely.
No illnesses have yet been reported to be associated with this recall, but it is advised to exercise caution.
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Risk of Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial organism capable of creating severe diseases, especially in children, the elderly, and people having compromised immune systems. Typical symptoms are fever, diarrhea that can be bloody in rare cases, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
More rarely, salmonella can get past the intestines, spreading into the bloodstream to cause more dangerous situations like infected aneurysms or arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Stay informed
This recall is a great learning point for food safety and awareness. Consumers can keep themselves aware of recalls and food safety notices by regularly checking the FDA website.
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Please act immediately if you think you might have any of the tomato products listed to avoid illnesses.
Another important read: FDA urgently recalls bread sold in U.S. with “glass shards” – These are the supermarkets and lots affected
