FDA Escalates Tomato Recall Over Lethal Risk—Here's What to Know

An ongoing recall of tomatoes has now been upgraded to Class I, the highest level of warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), due to a higher probability of severe illness or even death.

South Carolina-based Williams Farms Repack LLC initiated a recall of several sizes of tomatoes over possible salmonella contamination, according to an announcement by the FDA on May 2.

The tomatoes were distributed between April 23 and 28 to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The affected products were available in multiple packaging formats with either the Williams Farms Repack label or H&C Farms label:

• 5x6 25 pounds, lot code: R4467
• 6x6 25 pounds, lot codes: R4467, R4470
• Combo 25 pounds, lot code: R4467
• 4x4 2 layer, lot code: R4467
• 4x5 2 layer, lot code: R4467
• 60-count, 2 layer, lot code: R4467
• 60-count, 18 pounds, loose, lot codes: R4467, R4470
• XL, 18 pounds, loose, lot code: R4467
• 3-count trays with UPC 0 33383 65504 8, lot code: R4467

The FDA has since designated the recall as Class I, warning that exposure may lead to serious or fatal health outcomes. A Class I recall is "a situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the agency.

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Salmonella infections can cause symptoms within six hours to six days of consuming the contaminated food. These symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, as well as a fever, chills, and dehydration. Symptoms typically last four to seven days but may persist longer if complications arise.

While the majority of salmonella infections are mild and resolve on their own, they can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA.

While the tomatoes should no longer be available in stores, the FDA states that the bacteria can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in wet ones, so check to see if you still have the recalled produce in your home and discard it immediately. Products may be returned for a full refund.