Tomatoes from Williams Farms and H&C Farms sold in North Carolina and South Carolina may carry salmonella. Here’s what to look for and how to stay safe.
ATLANTA — Health officials advise checking your kitchen if you’ve recently bought fresh tomatoes. The FDA has issued its most serious warning—a Class I recall—for tomatoes sold under the Williams Farms Repack and H&C Farms labels due to a deadly salmonella risk.
The affected tomatoes were distributed across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and other states between April 23 and April 28.
According to the FDA, these tomatoes are subject to a Class I recall, defined as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
This means the recalled tomatoes could pose a life-threatening health risk if consumed, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
So far, no illnesses have been reported, but the FDA warns the risk of contamination is high. Consumers are being told to throw the tomatoes away or return them for a full refund.
According to the FDA, the affected products include several bulk and tray-packed tomatoes, packaged under H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack as:
- 5×6 and 6×6 tomatoes (25 lb boxes)
- Combo packs and 3-count trays
- 2-layer 60-count cartons
- 18 lb loose XL tomatoes
All came from a supplier connected to a potential salmonella issue flagged by Southeast Tomato Distributors on April 29.
The FDA’s Class I recall means there’s a reasonable probability that eating these tomatoes could lead to serious health problems, especially for:
- Young children
- Seniors
- People with weakened immune systems
This recall follows several other produce-related Salmonella concerns in recent weeks, highlighting broader food safety gaps. Experts warn that consumers are being left to figure out food safety on their own.
For questions, contact the distributor at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
How to protect yourself at home from Salmonella | Quick Tips
The FDA and food safety experts recommend:
- Washing your hands and surfaces often
- Avoiding cross-contamination between raw produce and ready-to-eat foods
- Cooking or properly storing foods to avoid spoilage and bacteria growth
