Tomato recall now classified as highest risk level—here’s what families need to know

Before you slice up tomatoes for tonight’s dinner or your toddler’s lunchbox, take a quick look at what’s in your fridge. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall of certain fresh tomato products due to possible Salmonella contamination, and some items are now under a Class I designation, the agency’s most urgent level for food safety concerns. This means there’s a reasonable chance these tomatoes could cause serious illness if consumed.

The affected products were sold in 14 states, with certain lots distributed in the Southeast now classified as high risk. While no illnesses have been reported yet, young children, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system are especially vulnerable.

What parents need to know at a glance:

• Watch for symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Recalled tomatoes were sold in 14 states
• Linked to two suppliers: Williams Farms Repack and Ray & Mascari Inc.
• No reported illnesses yet, but young children are especially at risk
• Products should be returned or discarded

FDA reclassifies part of the tomato recall as Class I

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially reclassified part of the Williams Farms Repack recall as Class I, the agency’s highest level of concern for food safety. This designation is reserved for products with a reasonable probability of causing serious health effects or death.

The affected tomatoes were distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and 28. Products under Class I recall include:

• 4×5 2-layer
• 60ct 2-layer
• 3-count trays (UPC: 0 33383 65504 8)
• 5×6 25lb H&C Farms label
• 6×6 25lb H&C Farms label
  All affected items carry lot codes R4467 or R4470.

Full list of recalled tomatoes

Only some products were classified as high risk, but checking the full list is a simple way to stay on the safe side.

1. Williams Farms Repack LLC

• Recall Date: May 2, 2025
• Distribution Dates: April 23–28, 2025
• States Affected: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
• Class I recalled products:
  • 4×5 2-layer
  • 60ct 2-layer
  • 3-count trays (UPC: 0 33383 65504 8)
  • 5×6 25lb H&C Farms label
  • 6×6 25lb H&C Farms label
    
• Additional recalled products:
  • Combo 25lb
  • 4×4 2-layer
  • 60ct 18lb loose
  • XL 18lb loose
• Lot Codes: R4467, R4470
  
• If you have any of these tomatoes at home, don’t panic—but do play it safe. Discard the product or return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund. For more information, you can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154.

2. Ray & Mascari Inc.

• Recall Date: May 3, 2025
• States Affected: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin
  
• Product Details:
  • 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes in 20 oz plastic clamshells
  • UPC: 7 96553 20062 1
  • Lot Numbers: RM250424 15250B, RM250427 15250B
    
• What you should do:
  If you purchased these tomatoes, do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store for a full refund or dispose of them safely. For more information, contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 317-637-0234.

Related: 180,000 Safety 1st car seats recalled over choking hazard—what parents need to know

Why Salmonella can be more serious for babies and toddlers

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children under 5 are more likely to experience severe symptoms because their immune systems are still developing.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

In rare cases, Salmonella can lead to more severe conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis, especially in babies, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people.

How to help keep your family safe from foodborne illness

According to PIRG, about 14% of all food recalls in the U.S. last year were due to possible salmonella contamination. To reduce risk at home:

• Always wash produce before eating.
• Sanitize cutting boards, knives, and counters after prepping raw fruits and veggies.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling potentially contaminated food.
• Avoid high-risk raw foods like unwashed sprouts, especially if pregnant or feeding young children.
• Keep pet food prep areas separate from where you prep your child’s meals.

No illnesses reported yet

As of now, no illnesses have been linked to the recalled tomatoes. But the risk remains serious, especially for little ones. The FDA is monitoring the situation closely.

What parents should do next

If you think you may have purchased one of the recalled items:

1. Check the packaging and lot codes carefully
2. Do not eat the tomatoes
3. Return them to the store for a full refund, or safely throw them away
4. Monitor your child for symptoms, and call a doctor if anything seems off

Contacts for questions:

• Williams Farms Repack LLC:
  • Phone: 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154
  • Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm EST
• Ray & Mascari Inc.:
  • Phone: 1-317-637-0234
  • Business Hours: Monday–Saturday, 6:00 am–5:00 pm EST

The bottom line

You’re already doing the right thing by staying informed. At Motherly, we’ll keep you updated on food safety alerts that matter for your family—so you can focus on what matters most: keeping your little ones safe and healthy.

Related: Target recalls baby food over lead concerns—here’s what parents should do

Sources: 

1. Range of symptoms. CDC. 2025. “Foodborne Illness Source Estimates.”
2. Tomato recall. FDA. 2025. “Williams Farms Repack LLC Recalls Tomatoes Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination.”
3. Salmonella symptoms. Mayo Clinic. 2025. “Salmonella infection.”

Food recalls due to Salmonella. PIRG. 2025. “Food for Thought 2025.”