Just this week, for example, officials announced a multistate recall of tomatoes. These tomatoes, grown by H&C Farms and re-packaged at Williams Farms and Ray & Mascari, may be contaminated with Salmonella Tennessee bacteria. This contamination represents a widespread and serious health threat, causing immediate and decisive action from distributors and state health departments. As for the toxic products in question, multiple states sold them. These states are known as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
After recent testing, it became clear that there are serious safety concerns about these tomatoes. A recall has been made on the affected tomatoes distributed to and sold through these retail locations. The Best-If-Used-By date for the recalled tomatoes is a long one, February 17, 2028, meaning they could potentially still be out in circulation.
Details of the Recalled Products
Whole tomatoes have numerous different product codes linked to the recall. These include codes for 25-pound packs such as 5×6 (lot code: R4467), Combo (lot code: R4467), and various two-layer configurations. Specifically, the lot code R4467 applies to several product codes including:
- 4×4, 2 layer
- 4×5, 2 layer
- 60 count, 2 layer
- 60 count, 18 lbs, loose
- XL, 18 lbs, loose
Your UPCs are for a three-count tray. UPC 0 33383 65504 8, Lot Code R4467. The consolidated, repackaged tomatoes circulated widely throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Impact on Consumers and Retailers
Ray & Mascari tomatoes were recalled earlier this week for the risk of contamination. These items were 4 count ripe tomatoes in 20-ounce packages with UPC 7 96553 20062 1. The lot codes linked to these affected tomatoes are RM250424 15250B and RM250427 15250B. These tomatoes were originally sold through GFS stores throughout those same eleven states.
We recommend that retailers pull these products off their shelves as soon as possible. If you have bought these products, then take a close look at your home to see if you have any of the recalled tomatoes. Get rid of them to avoid the risk of serious health effects from Salmonella.
Health Risks and Recommendations
Salmonella contamination represents a significant public health burden, particularly among high-risk populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised. Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping.
Health experts advise that anyone with serious symptoms should call or visit a health center as soon as possible. Consumers are consistently advised to follow safe food handling and good personal hygiene practices to minimize their risk of foodborne illness.
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