### Urgent Tomato Recall: FDA Issues Class 1 Alert Over Salmonella Contamination The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a tomato recall to a Class 1 designation, indicating a serious health risk due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall affects tomatoes distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, with warnings that consumption could lead to severe illness or even death. Consumers are urged to check their purchases and dispose of any affected products immediately to mitigate health risks [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/fda-issues-highest-level-recall-for-tomatoes-over-salmonella-concerns][https://www.today.com/health/recall/tomato-recall-salmonella-fda-2025-rcna210573]. ### Breakdown of the Tomato Recall Situation 1. **Recall Announcement**: The FDA announced the recall on May 28, 2025, due to concerns over salmonella contamination in tomatoes distributed by Williams Farms Repack LLC and H&C Farms [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/health/tomato-recall-fda-salmonella.html]. 2. **Health Risks**: The FDA has classified the recall as Class 1, which signifies a "reasonable probability" that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death [https://www.delish.com/food-news/a64946312/tomato-recall-for-salmonella-elevated]. 3. **Affected Regions**: The recall specifically targets tomatoes sold in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, with additional reports of contamination in Pennsylvania [https://www.wtae.com/article/tomato-recall-for-salmonella-elevated/64955489][https://triblive.com/local/regional/some-tomatoes-cucumbers-sold-in-pennsylvania-recalled]. 4. **Consumer Advisory**: Consumers are advised to check their tomato purchases and return or dispose of any recalled products. Health officials emphasize the importance of this action to prevent potential health risks [https://abc11.com/post/recalled-tomatoes-distributed-nc-upgraded-class-warning-fda-could-cause-severe-illness-death/16643690]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Recall Classification**: The FDA's Class 1 recall indicates a high level of concern, as salmonella can lead to serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly [https://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/a-deadly-agent-in-your-fridge-fda-warns-recalled-tomatoes-in-carolinas-and-georgia-pose-risk-of-death/articleshow/121589651.cms]. - **Distribution Details**: Tomatoes from Williams Farms Repack LLC and H&C Farms were distributed across multiple states, raising the scope of the recall and the potential for widespread contamination [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/fda-warns-tomatoes-sold-3-170841904.html]. - **Health Impact**: Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization or death [https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/tomatoes-recalled-after-fda-warns-of-severe-health-risk]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Recall Status**: The FDA has issued a Class 1 recall for tomatoes due to salmonella contamination, posing a significant health risk. 2. **Affected Areas**: The recall impacts consumers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. 3. **Health Advisory**: Consumers are strongly advised to check for recalled tomatoes and take necessary actions to avoid health risks. 4. **Potential Consequences**: The contamination poses a serious risk of illness or death, particularly for vulnerable populations. In conclusion, the FDA's urgent recall of tomatoes highlights the critical need for consumer vigilance regarding food safety. Immediate action is recommended to prevent potential health hazards associated with contaminated produce [https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-06-02/fda-issues-highest-alert-over-tomato-recall-in-3-southern-states].