Tomato Recall In GA Upgraded To FDA's Most Dangerous Level Because Of Salmonella

GEORGIA — Tomatoes sold in three states, including Georgia, are under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's most dangerous classification due to the risk of fatalities caused by salmonella.

The FDA on May 28 posted a notice that tomatoes being recalled by Williams Farms Produce Sales Company in South Carolina are subject to a Class I listing, the FDA's most critical recall level. The recall is ongoing.

According to the FDA, a Class I recall is "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

Williams Farms voluntarily recalled the affected products on May 2 due to the potential contamination of salmonella after being notified by Southeast Tomato Distributors that tomatoes distributed by H&C Farms may have developed salmonella, according to the recall notice.

The products were shipped between April 23 and April 28 to Georgia and the Carolinas. At the time of the initial recall in May, no one had reported being sickened by the possibly impacted tomatoes.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause fatal infections to emerge in young children, older people, those with weakened immune systems and anyone considered to be frail, according to the FDA.

People considered to be healthy can have symptoms of fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain when ridden with salmonella.

The FDA stated if the organism travels into the bloodstream, it can lead to arthritis, infected aneurysms and endocarditis.

The Class I recall was initiated for: three-count tomato trays with UPC 0 33383 65504 8, 10-pound boxes, 25-pound boxes and 60-count/two-layer boxes with the label Williams Farms Repack, LLC Lodge, SC 29082.

Other products also impacted by the original recall were:

Customers who bought the tomatoes subject to the recall can return them at their point of purchase for a full refund, or the items can be discarded, the FDA stated. The health officials warned people should not consume the products.

People with questions can call (843) 866-7707 or (843) 599-5154 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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