🍅 FDA Tomato Recall Over Salmonella: Full Details, Health Risks, Affected States, and What to Do (June 2025)

FDA Tomato Recall Over Salmonella: Full Details, Health Risks, Affected States, and What to Do (June 2025)
🚨 FDA Issues Class I Recall for Tomatoes in Three States Due to Salmonella Risk
In June 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) escalated a tomato recall to its highest alert level—Class I—warning that contaminated tomatoes distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina could cause severe illness or even death. This comprehensive guide covers the latest news, affected products, health risks, symptoms, and what you should do if you have these tomatoes at home.
USA Today: FDA Issues Severe Recall for Tomatoes in Three States

🗺️ Which States and Products Are Affected?

📍 States: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
🏷️ Brand: H&C Farms label (packed by Williams Farms Repack LLC, Lodge, SC)
📦 Distribution Dates: April 23–28, 2025
🔢 Lot Codes & Sizes:
  • 5x6 tomatoes – Lot code: R4467
  • 6x6 tomatoes – Lot codes: R4467, R4470
  • Combo 25 lb boxes – 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 lbs loose – Lot codes: R4467, R4470
  • XL, 18 lbs loose – Lot code: R4467
  • 3-count trays – Lot code: R4467
🛒 The tomatoes were distributed to wholesalers and may have reached stores or restaurants. While most affected tomatoes are likely no longer on shelves, they could still be in home freezers or pantries.
Drugs.com: FDA Issues Highest Alert Over Tomato Recall

⚠️ Why Is This Recall So Serious? Understanding Class I Recalls

⚠️ Class I Recall: The FDA’s highest warning, meaning there is a reasonable chance that use or exposure could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
🦠 Salmonella Risk: Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry conditions and for months in moist or frozen environments. Freezing, drying, and canning do NOT kill the bacteria.
🧊 Still at Risk? Even if you froze or canned these tomatoes, they could still be dangerous.
🕵️‍♂️ Source: The exact source of contamination is unknown. Williams Farms Repack and H&C Farms have not commented.
NY Times: FDA Warns of High Risk of Illness or Death in Tomato Recall

🦠 What Is Salmonella? Symptoms, Risks, and Who’s Most Vulnerable

🦠 What Is It? Salmonella is a bacteria that causes foodborne illness. It sickens over 1 million Americans and causes more than 400 deaths each year.
🤒 Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting. Symptoms usually appear 12–72 hours after eating contaminated food and can last several days.
⚠️ High-Risk Groups: Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe illness or complications.
🩺 When to Seek Help: If you have eaten affected tomatoes and develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Hindustan Times: Tomato Recall Hits US – FDA Warns Products May Be Deadly

🛑 What Should Consumers Do? Safety Steps & Refund Advice

🛑 1. Do NOT Eat Recalled Tomatoes: Discard any tomatoes with the affected lot codes or purchased in the affected states between April 23–28.
🔍 2. Check Freezers & Pantries: Salmonella survives freezing and canning. If you stored or canned tomatoes from this batch, throw them away.
💸 3. Refunds: Return affected products to the place of purchase for a full refund, or safely discard them.
📞 4. If Symptomatic: If you ate the tomatoes and feel sick, contact your healthcare provider and mention the recall.
Times Now: FDA Issues Tomato Recall Over Salmonella Risk

📈 Past Outbreaks, Related Recalls & Ongoing Investigation

📈 No Illnesses Yet: As of June 3, 2025, no illnesses or deaths have been reported in connection with this recall.
🔬 Ongoing Investigation: The FDA and CDC are still investigating the exact source of the contamination.
🥒 Related Recalls: In addition to tomatoes, cucumbers have also been recalled in 2025 after a separate salmonella outbreak affected 18 states and left dozens ill.
📰 Food Safety Reminder: Always wash produce thoroughly, but remember: washing, freezing, or drying does NOT guarantee removal of salmonella.
Taste of Home: Tomato Recall Update – Highest Risk Classification

💡 FAQ: What Americans Want to Know About the FDA Tomato Recall

💡 FAQ:
  • Is it safe to eat tomatoes in other states? Yes, only tomatoes distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina under the H&C Farms label are affected.
  • Can I cook the tomatoes to make them safe? Cooking may kill salmonella, but the FDA recommends discarding all affected tomatoes to avoid risk.
  • How long does salmonella survive? Weeks in dry conditions, months in moist or frozen environments.
  • What about canned or frozen tomatoes? If you used affected tomatoes, discard them—salmonella survives freezing and canning.
  • What if I already ate the tomatoes? Watch for symptoms (fever, diarrhea, cramps) and contact your doctor if you feel ill.
  • Will there be more recalls? The FDA is monitoring and will update as needed. Stay tuned to FDA alerts for the latest.
US News: FDA Issues Highest Alert Over Tomato Recall
©️ 2025 | FDA Tomato Recall: Complete Guide for US Consumers, Families & Food Safety Advocates
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