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Tomato Recall

Round red tomatoes

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is advising the public that an alert has been issued by the Food and Drug Administration concerning an outbreak of salmonellosis.

This outbreak is linked to consuming certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing them. DEH food safety officers are currently investigating for the presence of the affected tomatoes in all local supermarkets and distributors. If found, they will be pulled from the shelves.

The FDA has also advised that both the specific type and the source of tomatoes are currently under investigation. However, preliminary data suggest that raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw round red tomatoes are the cause.

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes serious food-borne illness, with symptoms of infection including diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain and vomiting. It can also cause life-threatening illness in persons with weakened immune systems or in poor health. If you experience any of the symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Consumers are advised to limit tomato consumption to strains that have not been implicated in the outbreak. These include cherry and grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and home-grown varieties.

The FDA further recommends that raw red plum, raw red Roma, and raw red round tomatoes should only be consumed if grown and harvested in areas that have not been associated with the outbreak. These are as follows:

  • States: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas

  • Europe: Belgium, Netherlands

  • Americas: Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Puerto Rico

  • Middle East: Israel

Since mid April, the FDA has reported at least 145 cases of salmonellosis in the United States caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, an unusual form of salmonella. At least 23 hospitalizations have resulted.

For further information concerning local efforts, contact the DEH at 949-6696. For other details, visit the FDA website.

For further information contact: Kenisha Morgan