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Source: contaminated with salmonella, posing a potentially deadly risk to consumers.

The tomatoes in question were sold between April 23 and April 28 across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina under the H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack labels. They were distributed in several packaging formats, including 25-pound boxes, combo packs, 3-count trays, and loose bulk cartons. Though no illnesses have been reported yet, the FDA warns the contamination risk is high.

Understanding the Salmonella Risk

Salmonella is one of the most common bacterial infections linked to foodborne illness in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella causes over one million illnesses, more than 26,000 hospitalizations, and around 420 deaths annually. The bacteria often spread through contaminated food and surfaces.

Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. While healthy individuals often recover without treatment, infection can be far more dangerous for children under five, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, salmonella can lead to bloodstream infections and even death.

The bacteria are known to survive for weeks in dry conditions and even longer in moist environments like freezers, which raises concern about contamination in stored produce. Consumers who freeze fresh tomatoes or use them in long-lasting recipes may unknowingly expose themselves to the bacteria weeks after the recall.

What A Class I Recall Means

A Class I recall indicates “a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” This is the FDA’s most urgent food safety warning. While many product recalls are precautionary, a Class I warning signals immediate concern for public health.

The agency issued the upgrade after further evaluation of distribution records and contamination reports, though the exact source of the bacteria remains undetermined. The affected tomatoes were initially recalled voluntarily in early May but remained in some supply chains, prompting the FDA to reissue a more severe alert.

Steps Consumers Should Take

Consumers in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina should immediately check for tomatoes purchased between April 23 and April 28. Any products labeled H&C Farms or Williams Farms Repack should be discarded or returned for a refund, even if the tomatoes appear fresh or have been refrigerated.

The FDA also encourages consumers to sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled tomatoes. Washing hands with warm, soapy water after handling the produce is critical.

To reduce the risk of salmonella at home, experts recommend:

• Washing all produce thoroughly under running water
• Avoiding cross-contamination between raw produce and ready-to-eat foods
• Using separate cutting boards for raw vegetables and meats
• Cooking produce when possible to eliminate bacterial threats

Growing Concerns Over Food Safety

This tomato recall follows several recent produce-related contamination events, raising broader concerns about food safety enforcement and consumer risk. While the FDA works with distributors to identify the source, experts caution that better tracking and oversight are needed to prevent future incidents.

Williams Farms Repack, the South Carolina-based distributor, has not publicly commented on the upgraded recall. H&C Farms has also declined to issue a statement.

In the meantime, the FDA urges consumers to remain alert and cautious. The agency is working with local retailers and health departments to remove the recalled tomatoes from circulation and inform the public.

For More Information

Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Williams Farms Repack for assistance:

• Phone: 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Updates and additional safety guidance are also available on the FDA’s website: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls

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