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Navigating Food Safety: What brand of tomato is recalled? And How to Protect Your Nutrition Diet

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne diseases sicken an estimated 48 million people each year in the United States. For individuals dedicated to a healthy nutrition diet, these outbreaks highlight the critical importance of food safety knowledge, which is why understanding what brand of tomato is recalled is so crucial.

Quick Summary

Several tomato brands were recalled in 2025 due to potential Salmonella contamination, leading to a high-risk FDA classification. This guide identifies the affected products, offers advice on handling recalled items, and provides general food safety practices for a healthy diet.

Key Points

  • Brand Identification: The primary recalled brands for tomatoes in 2025 were Williams Farms Repack LLC, H&C Farms, and Ray & Mascari Inc..

  • Contamination Cause: The recalls were issued due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria, which can cause severe foodborne illness.

  • FDA Classification: The FDA assigned the recall a Class I designation, indicating a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or death from consumption.

  • How to Check: Consumers should check product labels for specific brand names, UPC numbers, and lot codes (like R4467, R4470, and RM250424 15250B) to determine if they possess recalled items.

  • Immediate Action: Any recalled tomatoes should be discarded or returned for a refund; freezing or canning does not kill Salmonella bacteria.

  • General Safety: Always wash fresh produce thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination to minimize the risk of foodborne illness in your daily diet.

In This Article

The 2025 Tomato Recalls: Key Brand and Product Details

In early 2025, several tomato recalls were initiated due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria. These recalls were eventually elevated to a Class I designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or death.

Williams Farms Repack LLC and H&C Farms

Williams Farms Repack LLC of South Carolina recalled tomatoes under its own label and the H&C Farms label. Specific affected products and distribution details were provided in FDA announcements.

Ray & Mascari Inc.

Ray & Mascari Inc. also issued a recall for certain 4-count vine-ripe tomatoes in plastic clamshells. This was a precautionary measure after their supplier, Hanshaw & Capling Farms, reported a possible Salmonella presence. These products were sold in several states.

Safeguarding Your Nutrition Diet from Contaminated Produce

Beyond checking for specific recalls, a proactive approach to food safety is essential for any nutrition-focused diet. Here are some preventative measures to take.

  • Wash thoroughly: Always wash fresh produce, including tomatoes, under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. This practice helps remove dirt and bacteria from the surface.
  • Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for produce and raw meat to prevent bacterial transfer. Wash your hands before and after handling any food item.
  • Consider storage: While freezing can inhibit bacterial growth, it does not kill Salmonella. Freezing or canning contaminated tomatoes from a recalled batch will not make them safe to eat.
  • Stay informed: Regularly check the FDA website for the latest recall notices and food safety alerts. This keeps you updated on potential risks to your food supply. The FDA's website is a key resource for this information: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts.

Nutritional Benefits vs. Food Safety Risks

Tomatoes are a staple in many healthy nutrition diets, providing valuable vitamins and antioxidants. However, the benefits are negated if the produce is contaminated. This table illustrates the trade-off.

Feature Benefits for a Nutrition Diet Associated Food Safety Risk
Nutrients High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants like lycopene. Supports immune function and heart health. Potential contamination with bacteria like Salmonella if not handled or stored properly.
Dietary Fiber Aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. Foodborne bacteria can cause gastrointestinal distress, negating digestive benefits.
Culinary Versatility Used in salads, sauces, and sandwiches, making healthy eating delicious and accessible. Improper handling or processing can introduce pathogens, especially in ready-to-eat formats.
Hydration High water content contributes to daily fluid intake. Pathogen-contaminated produce can lead to severe illness and dehydration from symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing

Consuming contaminated food, like the recalled tomatoes, can lead to salmonellosis, which can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. For most healthy individuals, symptoms resolve on their own, but severe cases, particularly in vulnerable populations (young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems), can be fatal. By staying vigilant about recalls and practicing good food safety habits, you can enjoy the many nutritional benefits of fresh produce without unnecessary risk.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Health with Knowledge

The 2025 tomato recalls, involving brands like Williams Farms Repack LLC, H&C Farms, and Ray & Mascari Inc., serve as a critical reminder that food safety is an integral part of a healthy nutrition diet. Consumers must check product labels against FDA alerts for specific lot codes and UPC numbers. By combining nutritional awareness with diligent food safety practices, you can protect yourself and your family from potentially serious health consequences and confidently maintain a healthy eating plan.

It is essential to remember that even if you have processed or stored recalled items, the risk of Salmonella remains. Discarding or returning affected products immediately is the safest course of action, ensuring your diet contributes to your health, not a potential illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The specific brands involved in the 2025 recalls were Williams Farms Repack LLC, H&C Farms, and Ray & Mascari Inc., with products distributed to wholesalers and retailers in various states.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness with symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially causing serious health complications or death.

No, freezing and canning will not kill Salmonella bacteria. Any recalled tomatoes, regardless of how they have been processed or stored, should be discarded immediately.

To check if your tomatoes are recalled, look for the specific brand name (Williams Farms Repack, H&C Farms, or Ray & Mascari Inc.) and check the packaging for the associated lot codes or UPC numbers listed in the FDA announcements.

If you have a recalled tomato product, you should not consume it. You can either return it to the place of purchase for a refund or throw it away, as advised by the FDA.

The most reliable source for the latest food recall information is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, which publishes official press releases from recalling firms.

General food safety practices include washing produce thoroughly under running water, preventing cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for meat and produce, and regularly checking for recall alerts from the FDA.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.