Whoa! Major Tomato Recall—Salmonella Scare!
Okay, so dinner plans might need a little rethink. Two big produce companies, Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC, just issued urgent recalls for tomatoes because of, get this, Salmonella contamination. Seriously? This isn't a minor "oops," folks. Salmonella is a nasty bacteria that can make you seriously sick, especially little kids, older people, and anyone with a weak immune system. So, let's break this down: what happened, which tomatoes are affected, and what you need to do.
The Source of the Problem: Hanshaw & Caping Farms
The FDA issued the recall alert, and the problem traces back to Hanshaw & Caping Farms (H&C Farms) in Immokalee, Florida. Apparently, some of their tomatoes got contaminated with Salmonella. You know how sometimes things just spiral? This is one of those times. Salmonella food poisoning can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody!), nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps—not a fun time at all. For some, it can be much worse.
Ray & Mascari Inc. Recall Details
This recall affects their 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes, packaged in 20 oz (567g) clam shell containers. Look for UPC# 7 96553 20062 1 and lot numbers RM250424 15250B or RM250427 15250B. These were sold by Gordon Food Service Stores in 11 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. If you bought these, don't eat them! Throw them away immediately. Seriously, don't even think about it. Contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 1-317-637-0234 (Monday-Saturday, 6 am-5 pm EDT) if you have questions or if you got sick after eating them.
Williams Farms Repack LLC: A Wider Recall
This one's bigger. It covers various sizes of tomatoes sold under both the Williams Farms Repack and H&C Farms labels. We're talking 4x5 2 layer, 60ct 2layer, 3ct trays (Williams Farms Repack label), and 5x6 25lb, 6x6 25lb (H&C Farms Label). Lot codes vary (R4467 and R4470), depending on the size and packaging. These tomatoes were distributed to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23rd and 28th, 2025. If you have any of these, don't eat them. Toss them or return them for a refund. Call Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 (Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm EDT) with questions.
Understanding Salmonella and Staying Safe
Salmonella symptoms usually pop up within 6 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Think diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Most people recover fine, but it can be really serious for babies, older adults, and those with weak immune systems. If you ate some tomatoes and feel sick, see your doctor ASAP.
This whole thing is a reminder to be careful with your food. Always wash your produce really well before you eat it, and keep an eye out for recall notices. The FDA website is a great place to check.
What to Do Now
This tomato recall is a serious reminder about food safety. Check those lot numbers carefully! If you have any of the recalled tomatoes, get rid of them. And if you're feeling unwell after eating tomatoes, please seek medical attention. Let's all stay safe and healthy out there.
