Tomatoes Recalled for Salmonella Risk

This article was created with the assistance of generative AI. It was reviewed by editors before publication.

Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC have recalled tomato products due to potential salmonella contamination, which can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections in older adults.

The recalled tomatoes

The following products, sold through wholesalers and distributors, may pose a risk of salmonella exposure:

Ray & Mascari Inc. Tomatoes

• Product: 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes
• Packaging: 20 oz. clamshell containers
• UPC: 7 96553 20062 1
• Lot Numbers: RM250424 15250B or RM250427 15250B
• Distribution States: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin
• Sold through Gordon Food Service Stores

Williams Farms Repack LLC Tomatoes

• Product Variants: 5x6 25-pound, 6x6 25-pound, 3ct trays, combo 25-pound, 4x5 2-layer, 4x5 2-layer, 60-count 2-layer, 60-count 18-pound loose, XL 18-pound loose, 3-count trays
• Lot Codes: R4467 and R4470
• Distribution States: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
• Shipped to wholesalers and distributors

What consumers should do

If you have purchased any of these tomato products, do not eat them. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard them safely. To prevent cross-contamination, wash any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the tomatoes using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Customers who received the recalled lots have been notified and provided information to further contact their buyers and distribution centers with recall instructions, said the recall announcement from Ray & Mascari.

For any questions or to report illness, consumers can contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 317-637-0234, available Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Williams Farms Repack LLC can be contacted at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Understanding the risks of salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with salmonella often experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, an infection could result in a high fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration.

The bacteria causes illnesses in 1.35 million people every year, according to the CDC. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems may have more serious illnesses that require medical treatment.

Most people can recover without an antibiotic, but treatment is recommended for anyone with severe illness. Infected adults over age 65 (or over 50 if an underlying condition such as heart disease is present), infants and those with a weakened immune system are also advised to take an antibiotic.