Before you start slicing tomatoes for tonight’s family dinner or packing them into your child’s lunchbox, it is vital to pause and check your produce drawer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially escalated a recall involving specific fresh tomatoes due to a potential Salmonella contamination. Most concerning for parents is that some of these products have been moved to a Class I designation—the FDA’s most urgent classification, indicating that consuming these items carries a significant risk of serious health consequences or even death.
While the recall spans 14 states, the highest risk is currently concentrated in the Southeast. For parents, the priority is clear: identify whether these items are in your kitchen before they reach your child’s plate. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the window for prevention is narrow, especially for those with little ones whose immune systems are still maturing.
Essential safety takeaways for families:
- Watch for symptoms including high fever, persistent vomiting, or severe diarrhea.
- The recall impacts a total of 14 states across the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast.
- Two major suppliers are involved: Williams Farms Repack and Ray & Mascari Inc.
- Young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable to complications.
- Affected products should be thrown away immediately or returned for a refund.
FDA Elevates Tomato Recall to Class I
As of May 28, 2025, the FDA heightened the urgency of the Williams Farms Repack recall by labeling it Class I. This isn’t just a administrative update; it is a signal that the agency views these specific tomatoes as a severe threat to public health. This classification is reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious adverse health consequences.
The Class I specific products were distributed primarily to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and April 28. If you live in these areas, check for the following items:
- 4×5 2-layer tomatoes
- 60ct 2-layer tomatoes
- 3-count trays (UPC: 0 33383 65504 8)
- 5×6 25lb tomatoes under the H&C Farms label
- 6×6 25lb tomatoes under the H&C Farms label
The critical identifiers for these high-risk items are lot codes R4467 or R4470.
The Complete List of Recalled Tomatoes
Even if your tomatoes aren’t on the high-risk list, it is best to err on the side of caution. Two different suppliers are involved in this safety sweep, covering a wide geographic area.
1. Williams Farms Repack LLC
This recall began on May 2, 2025, and concerns produce distributed in late April.
- Affected States: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina.
- Class I Items: Includes the 3-count trays (UPC 0 33383 65504 8) and various bulk sizes (4×5, 60ct, 5×6, and 6×6) under the H&C Farms label.
- Other Recalled Items: Combo 25lb, 4×4 2-layer, 60ct 18lb loose, and XL 18lb loose tomatoes.
- Lot Codes: Check for R4467 and R4470.
If these are in your pantry, do not use them. You can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 for specific questions regarding this supplier.
2. Ray & Mascari Inc.
This supplier initiated its recall on May 3, 2025, affecting a larger number of states in the Midwest and Northeast.
- Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
- Product Details: 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in 20 oz plastic clamshells.
- UPC: 7 96553 20062 1
- Lot Numbers: RM250424 15250B or RM250427 15250B.
If you have these clamshells, do not eat the tomatoes. Return them to your point of purchase. You can reach Ray & Mascari Inc. at 317-637-0234.
Why Salmonella Can Be Especially Dangerous for Young Children
Salmonella is more than just a “stomach bug” when it comes to toddlers and preschoolers. Because children under five have immune systems that are still learning how to fight off pathogens, and because they can dehydrate much faster than adults, the CDC identifies them as a high-risk group. A dose of bacteria that might cause mild discomfort in an adult can lead to hospitalization for a small child. As a parent, understanding that their smaller body mass makes them more susceptible to the toxins produced by the bacteria is key to taking these recalls seriously.
Symptoms of Salmonella
The incubation period for Salmonella can vary, but symptoms usually appear within six hours to six days after eating contaminated food. Watch your child for:
- Diarrhea (be vigilant for any signs of blood)
- High fever and chills
- Nausea and stomach cramping
- Signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dry mouth, or lethargy)
In rare and severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to more complex issues like arterial infections or endocarditis. If your child exhibits these symptoms after consuming tomatoes, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Tips for Protecting Your Family from Foodborne Illness
Food recalls are an unfortunate reality of the modern supply chain, with Salmonella being a frequent culprit. To keep your kitchen a safe zone, consider these expert-backed habits:
- Rinse all produce under running water, even if you plan to peel it, to prevent surface bacteria from transferring to the knife and then the fruit.
- Maintain “zone defense” in the kitchen: Use separate cutting boards for produce and raw meats, and sanitize surfaces immediately after meal prep.
- Wash your hands for a full 20 seconds with soap and water after handling any produce that has been subject to a recall notice.
- For high-risk individuals, including pregnant moms and young children, consider cooking tomatoes thoroughly, as heat can kill many pathogens (though discarding recalled items is always the safest route).
No Illnesses Reported Yet
The silver lining in this situation is that, as of this update, no confirmed cases of Salmonella poisoning have been linked to these tomatoes. This suggests that the recall and the FDA’s elevation to Class I are proactive measures designed to catch the problem before it becomes a public health crisis. However, the lack of reported illness does not mean the risk is zero; it simply means we have a chance to protect our families before they get sick.
What Parents Should Do Next
If you discover you have the recalled produce, do not panic, but do take action:
- Clear the product: Even if the tomatoes look and smell perfectly fine, Salmonella cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled.
- Refund or Dispose: Most grocery stores will provide a full refund for recalled items. If you choose to throw them away, ensure they are in a sealed bag so pets or wildlife cannot access them.
- Sanitize: If the tomatoes were stored loose in a crisper drawer, wash the drawer thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
Contacts for Questions:
Williams Farms Repack LLC:
Phone: 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST
Ray & Mascari Inc.:
Phone: 1-317-637-0234
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM EST
The Bottom Line
Navigating food safety is part of the “mental load” of parenting, and staying informed is your best line of defense. By taking a few minutes to verify the lot codes on your produce, you are taking a significant step in safeguarding your family’s health. We will continue to monitor these safety alerts to ensure you have the most accurate information to keep your home safe and healthy.
