The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall notice concerning tomatoes distributed in three U.S. southern states due to potential salmonella contamination. Initially announced on May 2, this recall has now been escalated to a Class I recall, the most urgent level designated by the agency for risks that could lead to grave health issues or fatalities.
Williams Farms Repack LLC, located in Lodge, South Carolina, is the distributor linked to the affected produce. These tomatoes, packaged and sold to various wholesalers and distributors, were traded under the H&C Farms label between April 23-28. The states where the tomatoes were sold include Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
© FDA
In a notice released online on May 28, the FDA clarified that while freezing and drying processes can inhibit bacterial growth, they do not eradicate Salmonella. This bacterium can linger for extended periods, surviving several weeks in dry settings and months in moist conditions.
Despite the gravity of the recall, the FDA reports no illnesses or fatalities associated with this contamination as of the recall date. The specific sizes and lot codes involved in this recall vary, including 5x6 (R4467), 6x6 (R4467, R4470), combo 25-pound (R4467), and several others, highlighting the range of affected products. Stakeholders in the greenhouse growing sector should remain vigilant of these codes to identify potentially compromised batches.
Source: USA Today
