According to FDA, eating tomatoes can cause serious health problems or death.
This summer’s produce has had a rough start. In the last month, tomatoes and cucumbers were both recalled. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just recently announced an upgrade to Class I for a tomato recall. The highest classification is Class I, meaning that the “use or exposure of a product violating this standard will result in serious health effects or even death.”
It’s still important to inspect your pantry and freezer, even though these tomatoes have been removed from the shelves. The salmonella bacteria are able to survive in various conditions for several weeks, so simply storing food in the refrigerator does not guarantee its safety. Canning is no different, so double check where you bought your tomatoes if you canned them this season.
What is the cause of this recall?
Williams Farms Repack LLC recalled tomatoes on May 2 due to a possible salmonella contamination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella bacteria is a major cause of foodborne illness in the United States. We don’t yet know the exact cause of this outbreak, but we do not think that it was tomatoes. On May 28, the recall was elevated to Class I.
Salmonella symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hrs after consuming a contaminated food, says the FDA. Most people experience diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. You should see a doctor if you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above and you’ve eaten tomatoes that are affected within the last three days.
Which stores sell the tomatoes?
These tomatoes were given to different grocery stores located in three states, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The specific grocery stores that received these tomatoes are unknown. If you have any doubts about their origin, we recommend not eating them.
What do I need to know about recalled tomatoes?
According to the FDA, tomatoes were distributed from April 23 through April 28. On the labels of these tomatoes, you will find H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack.
Product description: Three-count tray, 10 pound box, twenty-five-pound box, and sixty-count box with two layers
UPC: 0 33383 65504 8
Lot Code R4467 andR4470
Wholesalers could have also received the following packages of tomatoes:
- 5×6 25-pound, Lot Code R4467
- 6×6 25-pound, Lot Codes R4467, R4470
- Combo 25-pound, Lot Code R4467
- 4×4 two-layer, Lot Code R4467
- 4×5 two-layer, Lot Code R4467
- 60-count two-layer, Lot Code R4467
- Lots R4467 and R4470, 60 18-pound cartons loose.
- Lot R4467 – XL 18-pound Loose
Next steps:
Do not eat any tomatoes that have been recalled. All tomatoes, whether frozen or canned at home are affected. Throw away the tomatoes even if they do not look contaminated. You should seek medical care if you are feeling ill after eating tomatoes.