Tomato Recall 2025: FDA Issues Highest Alert for Contaminated Tomatoes in Southern U.S.
A major tomato recall is now underway in the southern U.S. after the FDA issued a Class I warning—its highest-level health alert—over potentially contaminated tomatoes linked to salmonella. Distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, these tomatoes may still pose a risk even weeks after their sale due to the bacteria’s ability to survive in various conditions.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, the recall has intensified as new information surfaced about the possible severity of the contamination.
What Tomatoes Are Recalled?
Williams Farms Repack LLC distributed the tainted tomatoes under the H&C Farms label between April 23 and April 28. Packages included:
- 25-pound boxes (lot codes R4467, R4470)
- 3-pack trays (UPC 0 33383 65504 8)
- Loose tomatoes (18 lb. and 60-count)
- 2-layer cartons in multiple sizes (4×4, 4×5, 5×6, 6×6)
Where Were They Sold?
While the tomatoes were distributed to wholesalers and food distributors, retail outlets have not been officially named. That means affected tomatoes could have ended up in grocery stores, restaurants, or cafeterias in the three southern states. The FDA strongly urges anyone who purchased fresh tomatoes during that time to check packaging details or receipts.
Why This Is a Class I Recall
A Class I recall signals a “reasonable probability” that consuming the product could cause serious health consequences or death. The increased risk prompted this urgent update, even though no illnesses had been reported as of early June.
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Salmonella bacteria can survive for weeks in dry areas and months in wet or frozen environments, meaning even stored or leftover tomatoes may still pose a risk.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Those at highest risk of complications from salmonella include:
- Children under 5
- Seniors over 65
- People with weakened immune systems
For healthy individuals, symptoms usually appear within 8–72 hours and include:
- Fever
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (which may last up to 10 days)
- Nausea and vomiting
The USDA estimates salmonella causes over 1 million infections and 400+ deaths in the U.S. each year.
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What to Do If You Bought These Tomatoes
If you’ve purchased tomatoes within the listed date range:
- Do not eat them
- Check the lot code or UPC, if available
- Return them to the store or safely discard them
- Clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the tomatoes
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety
The exact source of the contamination remains unknown, and both Williams Farms Repack and H&C Farms have not provided public comments. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and urges the public to stay vigilant.
Consumers should seek medical help immediately if they experience symptoms like bloody stool, dehydration, or high fever after consuming tomatoes recently purchased in the affected regions.
Do you think produce suppliers should be required to disclose more detailed tracking info on grocery store labels? Why or why not?
More…
- https://tribune.com.pk/story/2549268/deadly-tomatoes-us-fda-recalls-tomatoes-over-risk-of-salmonella
- https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/tomatoes-recalled-after-fda-warns-of-severe-health-risk
- https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-06-02/fda-issues-highest-alert-over-tomato-recall-in-3-southern-states
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