FDA updates salmonella recall on SC tomatoes to most severe classification
The Food and Drug Administration has updated a salmonella recall on tomatoes in three southern states to a Class I, the most severe category in which “a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Williams Farms Repack LLC first announced the recall on tomatoes possibly contaminated by salmonella in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia on May 2, and the FDA identified the recall as a Class I situation on May 28.
The affected tomatoes were distributed between April 23 and 28 under the Williams Farms Repack and H&C Farms labels with lot codes R4467 and R4470.
The recalled tomatoes include:
- Three-count trays
- 4x4 two layer
- 4x5 two layer
- 60-count two layer
- 60-count 18-lb loose
- XL 18-lb loose
- 5x6 25 lb
- 6x6 25 lb
- Combo 25 lb
At the time of the recall announcement, no illnesses had been reported.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States annually. Infections can be serious or even fatal, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms like stomach cramps and watery diarrhea, which may contain blood or mucus, typically start between six hours and six days after infection and last four to seven days, according to the CDC.
Other symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, salmonella bacteria can infect the blood, bones, spinal cord lining, urine, brain and other internal organs, which can have lasting effects.
Customers who purchased any of the recalled products can return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. According to Williams Farms Repack, those with questions can call 843-599-5154 or 843-866-7707 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "FDA updates salmonella recall on SC tomatoes to most severe classification."