The Food and Drug Administration issued a sweeping recall of tomatoes this week after potential salmonella contamination was identified in products distributed across 14 states. Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indianapolis, announced the recall of its four-count vine ripe tomatoes packaged in clamshell containers and sold at Gordon Food Service Stores.
The affected tomatoes were distributed in New York, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Wisconsin. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Immokalee, Florida, reported possible salmonella contamination in their facility and alerted Ray & Mascari that a lot shipped to them might be compromised.
The FDA stated: "Customers who received the recalled lots have been notified and provided information to further contact their customers and distribution centers with recall instructions." No illnesses have been reported as of Friday, but health officials urge consumers to either discard the tomatoes or return unopened packages to the point of purchase.
The tomatoes were sold in plastic clamshells labeled "VINE RIPE TOMATOES" with the marking "Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204." Master cases contain 12 clamshells and carry either Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B.
In a separate alert, the FDA noted that Williams Farms Repack LLC is recalling tomatoes distributed to wholesalers in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia between April 23 and April 28. The FDA's recall database provides further details on the affected shipments.
Salmonella infection can result in symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Vulnerable populations - including children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems - face greater risk of severe illness, which may include bloodstream infections or complications like endocarditis and arthritis.
Consumers who purchased the recalled items are advised not to consume the product and to contact Ray & Mascari Inc. with any questions during regular business hours.
