Tomato Recall: FDA Recalls Fresh Tomatoes in 3 States, Elevates to Deadly Warning Level
The FDA has issued a recall for fresh tomatoes in three states due to the potential of salmonella contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for fresh tomatoes in three states due to the potential of salmonella contamination.
The New York Times reports that the FDA has updated a previous tomato recall to Class I, its highest warning level. This warning states that there is a higher probability that potential salmonella contamination could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The produce was distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The tomatoes, sold in packages as small as a three-pack and as large as 25 pounds, were distributed between April 23 and 28, 2025.
The Food and Drug Administration has upgraded a previous warning about the recall of tomatoes distributed in three states. https://t.co/IkDNv1U6s4— KKTV 11 News (@KKTV11News) June 3, 2025
The recalled tomato sizes and labels, with lot codes, include:
- 5×6, 25 pounds; R4467
- 6×6, 25 pounds; R4467 and R4470
- Combo, 25 pounds; R4467
- 4×4, 2-layer; R4467
- 4×5, 2-layer; R4467
- 60-count, 2-layer; R4467
- 60-count, 18 pounds loose; R4467, R4470
- XL, 18 pounds loose; R4467
- 3-count trays; R4467
Williams Farms Repack LLC, based in Lodge, South Carolina, said the affected tomatoes were sold to wholesalers and distributors between April 23 and April 28 under the name H&C Farms Label, per the FDA.
The federal agency elevated the initial May 2, 2025, health event due to the potential for salmonella contamination to a Class I on May 29. This recall indicates a situation where using or being exposed to the product poses a reasonable risk of serious health consequences or death.
The FDA noted that while freezing and drying the produce can inhibit bacterial growth, it does not eliminate salmonella. The bacteria can survive for weeks in dry conditions and persist for months in moist environments.
Consumers who have purchased the produce are urged not to consume these items and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to discard the product. Consumers with questions may contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET.
A Class I Recall Is the Most Serious FDA Health Risk
A Class I recall by the FDA is the most serious type of warning. It is issued when a product is found to pose a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences.
The FDA categorizes these health events into three classes based on the severity of the potential health risks posed by the product.
Class I recalls involve products with a high risk of causing serious injury or death. Class II recalls involve products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Class III recalls involve products that are unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but may violate FDA regulations.
The goal of a Class I recall is to quickly remove the hazardous product from the market and inform the public, distributors, and retailers about the risk. These recalls often come with public health alerts, press releases, and detailed instructions for consumers on what to do if they have the product.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
