Check Your Produce ASAP: Fresh Tomatoes Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

If you recently purchased tomatoes, check the container label before consuming them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of tomatoes due to possible salmonella contamination.

The recall was initiated by Indianapolis-based Ray & Mascari and affects its four-count vine-ripe tomatoes. The tomatoes were sold by Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The produce originated from Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Immokalee, Florida.

The product is sold in plastic clamshell containers with four tomatoes and a label stating "VINE RIPE TOMATOES" and "Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204." The master case is a cardboard produce box with a lid that contains 12 four-count containers with a label that lists either lot number RM250424 15250B or lot number RM250427 15250B. The product label has a UPC number of 7 96553 20062 1.

So far, no illnesses have been reported, but salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA.

Healthy people infected with the food-borne illness often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In rare instances, an infection can lead to other more serious health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms usually start six hours to six days after being infected and usually last four to seven days.

If you purchased the recalled tomatoes, do not eat them and throw them away immediately. If you have any questions or want to report an illness, contact Ray & Mascari Inc. by calling 1-317-637-0234, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.