Tomatoes distributed under the H&C Farms label in three southern US states have been linked to a potential salmonella contamination, prompting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to escalate its recall to a Class I alert. This classification indicates a significant risk of severe illness or death from consumption or exposure to the affected product.
The affected tomatoes were distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina between 23 and 28 April and may still pose a threat due to the bacteria’s ability to survive in both dry and wet conditions. Though no illnesses have been reported so far, the FDA warns that the health risks remain considerable.
FDA Elevates Tomato Recall to Class I Health Warning
The Food and Drug Administration revised its initial advisory this week, upgrading the tomato recall linked to Williams Farms Repack, a distributor based in South Carolina, to a Class I status.
This category, according to the FDA, signals “a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The tomatoes in question were sold in retail packages ranging from three-unit packs to bulk boxes weighing up to 25 pounds. They were first voluntarily recalled at the beginning of May following the detection of possible salmonella contamination.
Although the original alert carried a less severe classification, the latest update reflects deeper concern over the product’s potential threat to public health.
The recall only affects produce under the H&C Farms label distributed during the specified April window. Despite the time elapsed since distribution, the FDA has advised consumers and retailers to remain vigilant, citing the ability of salmonella bacteria to survive “for weeks“ in dry environments and for months in wet ones, such as frozen storage.
High-Risk Groups and Widespread Impact of Salmonella
While the recall mainly concerns tomatoes sold in three states, the implications of salmonella exposure are national in scope. Each year, over one million people in the United States contract illnesses linked to salmonella, resulting in more than 400 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, often persisting for several days. Certain groups face heightened risk, including children under five, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
No infections have yet been reported in relation to the recalled tomatoes, but authorities continue to investigate the origin of the contamination. As of Saturday, neither Williams Farms Repack nor H&C Farms had commented on the incident.
While healthy individuals are not immune to salmonella-related illness, the FDA urges all consumers to dispose of any suspect products immediately and to take preventative hygiene measures when handling produce.