Serious Tomato Recall Issued — Here’s What You Need to Know

Credit: Adobe Stock/Olha Afanasieva

Williams Farms Repack LLC has issued a voluntary recall of several varieties of tomatoes due to potential contamination with salmonella, a bacterium known to cause serious and sometimes fatal foodborne illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class I recall, meaning the risk posed is high and may result in “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The affected products were distributed under the Williams Farms Repack label and the H&C Farms label, and include:

• Tomatoes 5x6 25lb
• Tomatoes 6x6 25lb
• Tomatoes Combo 25lb
• Tomatoes 4x4 2-layer
• Tomatoes 4x5 2-layer
• Tomatoes 60ct 2-layer
• Tomatoes 60ct 18lb loose
• Tomatoes XL 18lb loose
• Tomatoes 3-count trays (UPC 0 33383 65504 8)

All products in question are linked to lot codes R4467 and R4470 and were distributed between April 23 and April 28, 2025, to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the FDA emphasizes the seriousness of the risk. On April 29, 2025, Williams Farms was notified by Southeast Tomato Distributors that tomatoes sourced from H&C Farms might be contaminated with salmonella. The recall was initiated shortly after, and the FDA officially published the alert on May 2.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes one of the most common — and potentially severe — forms of foodborne illness in the U.S. It is often found in undercooked poultry, eggs, raw meat, unpasteurized dairy and produce that comes into contact with contaminated water. The bacteria can survive on surfaces and food if not properly cleaned and cooked.

Symptoms and Who Is at Risk

Symptoms of a salmonella infection typically include:

• Diarrhea (which can be bloody)
• Fever and chills
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Lightheadedness

In healthy individuals, symptoms may last a few days and often resolve without medical treatment. However, those with weakened immune systems — including young children, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with chronic illnesses — are at higher risk of complications. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to more severe illnesses like endocarditis or arthritis.

What You Should Do

If you have purchased any of the recalled tomatoes, do not consume them. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard them safely. Consumers with questions can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

To protect yourself and your household, the CDC recommends the following:

• Wash and sanitize all surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with the tomatoes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling the product.
• Monitor for symptoms and contact your health care provider if you begin to feel ill.

Preventive Measures

While recalls like this are unsettling, they also serve as a critical reminder to practice safe food handling:

• Always rinse fruits and vegetables before consumption.
• Keep raw produce separate from meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Use clean utensils and cutting boards.
• Store perishable produce properly in the refrigerator.