Federal health officials have upgraded a tomato recall to their most severe warning category after potential salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration designated this recall as Class I, representing the highest risk level the agency issues. The contaminated produce was distributed across three southeastern states and poses serious health risks to consumers.
Company Behind the Contaminated Products
Williams Farms Repack LLC operates from Lodge, South Carolina, and serves as the company responsible for recalled tomatoes. The business packaged and distributed these potentially dangerous products to various wholesalers and distributors during a specific time frame in late April.
Their operations involve repackaging tomatoes under different brand names before sending them to retail outlets throughout the southeastern region.
Distribution Timeline and Brand Labels
The problematic tomatoes were packaged and sold between April 23 and April 28, 2025. These products reached the market under the H&C Farms Label brand name. The narrow distribution window helps health officials track down the specific batches that may contain harmful bacteria.
States Where the Recall is Announced
Three states received shipments of the contaminated tomatoes during the distribution period. Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina all had retailers and distributors who received these potentially dangerous products. The concentrated regional distribution pattern helps limit the scope of customer exposure.
Specific Product Details and Lot Codes
Multiple package sizes were affected by this recall, each identified by specific lot codes. The 5×6 size carries lot code R4467, while 6×6 packages have both R4467 and R4470 codes. Combo packages weighing 25 pounds also bear the R4467 identification number.
Additional Package Varieties Under Recall
Several other tomato packaging formats were included in the safety alert. The 4×4 and 4×5 two-layer packages both carry lot code R4467. Both 60-count packages in two-layer format and 18-pound loose varieties have lot codes R4467 and R4470.
Extra Large and Tray Packaging
Extra large tomatoes sold in 18-pound loose packaging carry the R4467 lot code. Three-count trays also bear the same lot code identification. These various packing formats show the wide range of products potentially affected by the combination.
Understanding Salmonella Bacterial Infection
Salmonella represents a dangerous organism that can cause severe health complications in vulnerable populations. Children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of serious illness from the bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections annually in the United States. The infection can progress to life-threatening stages in certain circumstances.
Symptoms Development and Timeline
Most people who consume contaminated products begin experiencing symptoms within 12 to 72 hours. Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps serve as the primary indicators of salmonella infection. These symptoms typically appear relatively quickly after consuming contaminated food products.
Special Risk Groups and Medical Attention Needed
Pregnant women face elevated risks when exposed to salmonella bacteria and should seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop. It can lead to complications including premature delivery and potential transmissions to the newborn.
Most healthy adults recover without medical intervention, but severe cases may require hospitalization. The elderly and immunocompromised individuals need a prompt medical evaluation of their suspected exposure.
Bacterial Survival and Food Safety Facts
Salmonella bacteria demonstrate remarkable survival abilities in different environmental conditions. The organisms can survive for several weeks in dry conditions and several months in moist environments.
Proper cooking temperatures of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) are necessary to effectively kill salmonella bacteria in contaminated foods. Freezing and dehydrating foods may also slow bacterial growth but do not eliminate the salmonella threat completely.
Consumer Response and Refund Process
Anyone who purchased these recalled tomatoes should immediately stop consuming them and return the products to their place of purchase. Consumers should also sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled tomatoes using bleach-based cleaners.
Retailers must provide full refunds for returned recalled items. Consumers can also safely dispose of the products if returning them proves inconvenient.
Health Monitoring and Medical Care
People who consumed the recalled tomatoes and developed symptoms should contact their healthcare providers immediately. Medical professionals can provide appropriate treatment and report cases to health authorities.
Healthcare providers may conduct stool tests to confirm salmonella infection and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Early medical intervention helps prevent complications and aids in tracking the outbreak’s scope.
