Tomatoes urgently recalled over risk of 'serious adverse health consequences or death' - Daily Record

Tomatoes urgently recalled over risk of 'serious adverse health consequences or death'A highly serious recall alert has been issued for the fruits due to Salmonella

fearsCommentsLifestyleRachel Cronin Trainee Trends Writer09:42, 03 Jun 2025A tomato recall in the US has been raised to the highest possible level(Image: JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

Packs of tomatoes have been urgently recalled in the US, as they were found to present a risk of "serious adverse health consequences or death.” Tomatoes from Williams Farm Repack LLC have

been stripped from shelves in a highly serious Class I recall by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Williams Farm began recalling the tomatoes on April 30 over concerns that they were contaminated with Salmonella. At that time, the company said no related illnesses had been reported, and

the recall has now been risen to the highest possible level.

‌ The infected tomatoes ended up in three US states- Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There were 50 three-pack trays of tomatoes that had made their way onto store shelves, along

with 77 10-pound boxes, and 419 60-count two-layer boxes.

‌ Affected batches have the lot numbers R4467 and R4470, with the Williams Farm Repack label or an H&C Farms label.

US customers are being urged not to consume the products, and instead to return the tomatoes to their place of purchase for a refund.

The affected tomatoes pose a risk of serious illness or even death(Image: FDA)Article continues below A Class I recall is “a situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use

of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death", according to the FDA.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in children or elderly people.

Its symptoms includes diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and fever.

‌ The UK has seen an outbreak of Salmonella recently, that resulted in 20 infections, 13 of which were children.

Five of these individuals were hospitalised.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) linked the illness to an unusual strain known as Salmonella Saintpaul, which was responsible for an outbreak in 2023 where 90 people fell ill after

consuming cantaloupe.

‌ However, experts have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that melons are the cause of the current outbreak.

According to the UKHSA, people began falling ill in February this year, with cases reported in the North West of England, the West Midlands, the South West, and the East of England.

Only one of these cases was recorded in Scotland.

‌ The cases of Salmonella were reported in February and March, and an investigation into the outbreak is still underway.

The ages of those who have fallen ill range from one to 88 years old.

‌ Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: "UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025.

"Gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Salmonella, can be spread from person to person as well as from food, so anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting should wash their hands thoroughly after using

the bathroom and avoid handling food or preparing food for others where possible.

"Please avoid returning to work or sending unwell children to school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."

Article continues belowJoin the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.