Tomato Recall Upgraded: FDA Says Risk Could Be Deadly

LODGE, SC — A tomato recall linked to salmonella has been upgraded to a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency’s most serious alert level.

According to the FDA, a Class I designation is used when there’s a reasonable chance that using or being exposed to a product could cause serious health problems or death.

The recalled tomatoes, distributed by Williams Farms Repack LLC in Lodge, South Carolina, were sent to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They were sold in three-count trays, 10-pound boxes, 25-pound boxes, and 60-count two-layer cartons.

The recall applies to products with lot codes R4467 and R4470.

Anyone who bought the tomatoes should not eat them. Instead, return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them away.

No illnesses have been reported so far.

The recall includes:

• 50 trays of 3-count tomatoes
• 77 boxes of 10-pound tomatoes
• 673 boxes of 25-pound tomatoes
• 419 boxes of 60-count, two-layer tomatoes

In total, more than 1,200 containers are affected, according to the FDA.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Even healthy people can suffer symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and lead to severe complications.

Anyone with questions can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.