FDA raises tomato recall to highest risk after deadly contamination fears

In the United States, an ongoing tomato recall has been intensified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to serious health concerns linked to potential salmonella contamination. The initial recall was announced in early May 2025 by Williams Farms Repack LLC, following the distribution of potentially contaminated H&C Farms Label tomatoes to several states including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The affected tomatoes were sold between April 23 and April 28 in various package sizes, ranging from three-packs to large 25-pound bags. Although no illnesses were reported at the time, the FDA’s swift action indicates the severity of the issue. On May 28, the FDA assigned the recall a Class I designation, which the agency describes as situations where there is a significant probability that the use or exposure to the violative product could lead to serious adverse health consequences or even death. The tomatoes involved in this heightened recall included specific lots with codes R4467 and R4470. In addition to H&C Farms tomatoes, Ray & Mascari Inc. also announced the recall of their Vine Ripe tomatoes shortly thereafter, highlighting the broader implications of contamination across multiple distributors and brands. Despite the rising alarm, the FDA remains hopeful that consumers may not be able to find fresh tomatoes from the contaminated batch in stores. However, many consumers may have stored these tomatoes in their freezers. The salmonella bacteria are known to survive for weeks even in freezing conditions, making it crucial for customers to take urgent action by discarding any recalled products. The symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, which typically manifest within a few days post-exposure. The FDA's concerns echo a broader issue regarding food safety, particularly with salmonella outbreaks causing hundreds of thousands of infections annually in the United States. As such, consumer education on food safety practices is crucial. This situation is compounded by another food safety challenge, as cucumbers have also been recently recalled following a salmonella outbreak that affected 18 states, leaving dozens ill and increasing hospitalization rates. Regular monitoring, constant reporting, and swift recalls are integral to safeguarding public health, but the trajectory of food-related illness persists as a pressing focus for health agencies and consumers alike.