If you’ve recently bought tomatoes, it’s time to double-check your packaging. Two separate recalls have been issued for tomatoes distributed across 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is an infection with Salmonella bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever and stomach pains. Salmonella usually goes away on its own in a few days. You should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can reduce your risk of salmonella with safe food handling habits and by washing your hands after touching animals.”
Indiana-based Ray & Mascari Inc. has recalled its 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes, sold in clamshell containers at Gordon Food Service Stores in 11 states, according to the FDA. Meanwhile, Williams Farms Repack LLC has recalled tomatoes shipped to three other states on May 2.
The alert from Ray & Mascari followed notification from Hanshaw & Capling Farms in Florida, which discovered possible salmonella contamination in the batch it supplied for repackaging. Williams Farms Repack issued a similar recall over salmonella concerns tied to its own facilities per USA Today.
Here’s how to identify the affected products and which states were impacted by the recalls.
Ray & Mascari Inc.’s recalled tomatoes were packaged in clamshell containers and distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores across 11 states. The affected states include Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Williams Farms Repack tomatoes were packaged and distributed to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and April 28. Meanwhile, the recalled Ray & Mascari tomatoes were sold in four-count plastic clamshell containers labeled “VINE RIPE TOMATOES” with the packing information listed as Ray & Mascari Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204. The packaging also includes a UPC number: 7 96553 20062 1.
According to the FDA, all stores that received the recalled tomatoes have been notified and given instructions to alert their customers and distribution centers about the potential contamination.
The FDA is advising consumers not to eat the recalled tomatoes. Instead, they should either return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund or safely dispose of it.
