FDA Ups Tomato Recall to Highest Level After Salmonella Scare
Honestly, this tomato recall is seriously unsettling. The FDA just upgraded it to a Class I recall, meaning there's a real chance someone could get seriously ill, even die, from eating these things. This isn't some minor inconvenience; this is a serious public health warning.
What Happened?
It all started in early May when Williams Farms Repack LLC, which also uses the H&C Farms Label, voluntarily recalled its tomatoes. They'd distributed potentially contaminated tomatoes to wholesalers in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23rd and 28th. The tomatoes came in various sizes, from cute little three-packs to massive 25-pound bags. At the time, no illnesses were reported. But last week, things changed dramatically.
The FDA's Class I Recall
The FDA upgraded the recall to Class I—their most serious warning. This means there's a "reasonable probability" that eating these tomatoes could cause serious health problems or even death. This isn’t something they take lightly; it’s a pretty big deal.
Even though the FDA doesn't think many folks are still using the fresh tomatoes, there’s a very real concern about frozen ones. Salmonella can hang out in a freezer for weeks, quietly waiting to cause trouble. Think about it: you froze a bag of tomatoes back in April, completely unaware. Now, you're pulling them out, intending to use them, and BAM—potential salmonella nightmare.
So, if you've got any of these tomatoes in your fridge or freezer—toss them. Seriously. Don't risk it.
What to Look For
The recalled tomatoes are from Williams Farms Repack LLC and/or have the H&C Farms Label. They were sold in various packages:
- 3-count trays
- 10-pound boxes
- 25-pound boxes
- 60-count two-layer boxes
Salmonella: The Silent Threat
Salmonella is no joke. It's bacteria that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. For most healthy adults, it's an unpleasant but not life-threatening experience. But for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, it can be far more serious, even deadly.
What to Do
If you have any of these tomatoes, throw them away immediately. Don't even think about tasting them. If you've eaten these tomatoes recently and are feeling sick, see a doctor right away. Don't delay; salmonella can cause severe illness.
This isn’t just about the tomatoes; it's about taking food safety seriously. Always check for recalls, wash your produce thoroughly, and cook your food properly. Prevention is key. And, let's face it, avoiding a salmonella infection is far better than dealing with the consequences.
Contact Williams Farms Repack LLC with any questions at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 (8:00 am–5:00 pm EST, Monday–Friday).
