Federal health officials have significantly expanded a public health alert, urging consumers nationwide to immediately discard specific brands of grape tomatoes linked to a multi-state FDA tomato recall. The recall, initially confined to several Midwestern states, was escalated due to a potential contamination with a rare and aggressive strain of Salmonella, which poses a lethal risk to vulnerable populations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has linked grape tomatoes supplied by the agricultural producer Verdant Farms to a growing Salmonella outbreak. Health agencies are investigating at least 48 reported cases of illness across 15 states, with 12 hospitalizations to date.
The Scope of the Recall and Immediate Health Risks
The recall notice was escalated after genomic sequencing confirmed a direct link between the illnesses and Salmonella Wandsworth, a strain seldom seen in the United States and noted for its potential severity. The initial recall by Verdant Farms included products distributed to a limited number of retailers, but the FDA now believes the tomatoes may have been distributed nationwide through various grocery chains and food service providers.
“This is a serious and evolving situation,” said Dr. Eleanor Vance, a senior official at the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, in a press briefing Tuesday. “The pathogen identified is particularly virulent, and we are seeing a concerning rate of hospitalization. We strongly advise the public to adhere to this recall to prevent further illness.”
The recall applies to all grape tomatoes sold under the “Verdant Farms” and “Good Harvest” labels in plastic clamshell containers with “best by” dates between June 15, 2025, and July 5, 2025. A full list of affected product codes can be found on the FDA’s official recall website.
Understanding the Salmonella Threat
Salmonella is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. However, the Salmonella Wandsworth strain can cause more severe symptoms, including:
- High fever and severe diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and vomiting
- Invasive illness, where the bacteria enter the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening
According to the CDC, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for severe outcomes. Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 72 hours after consuming the contaminated product.
Investigation Focuses on Verdant Farms Supply Chain
Federal investigators are now on-site at Verdant Farms processing facilities in California and Arizona to identify the source of the contamination. The focus of the food safety investigation is to determine how the pathogen was introduced into the supply chain, from cultivation and harvesting to packing and distribution.
In a statement, Verdant Farms announced it is fully cooperating with the FDA and has voluntarily halted all shipments of grape tomatoes.
“Consumer safety is our absolute priority,” the company stated. “We have initiated a voluntary recall and are working tirelessly with federal and state health officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of this issue. We are committed to resolving this and ensuring the safety of our products.”
This FDA tomato recall is one of the most significant produce-related alerts of the year, reminiscent of past outbreaks that have highlighted vulnerabilities in the complex U.S. food supply chain. Food safety experts note that while the system is generally robust, contamination can occur at multiple points, making traceability essential.
What Consumers Should Do
Health officials have issued clear guidance for consumers and retailers:
- Check Your Refrigerator: Examine any recently purchased grape tomatoes. If they match the brands and “best by” dates, do not consume them.
- Dispose of the Product: Throw the tomatoes away in a sealed bag so that other people or animals cannot eat them.
- Clean and Sanitize: Wash and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled tomatoes to prevent cross-contamination.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you believe you may have consumed the recalled product and are experiencing symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Retailers have been instructed to remove the products from their shelves and have been issued guidance on sanitizing their display areas. The FDA is monitoring recall effectiveness checks to ensure the contaminated tomatoes are no longer available for purchase.
The economic impact on Verdant Farms is expected to be substantial, and the recall could have broader implications for the tomato industry, potentially affecting consumer confidence in similar products. This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent food safety protocols at every stage of production.
FAQ on Tomato Recall
1. Which specific tomatoes are included in the recall?
The recall includes all grape tomatoes sold in plastic clamshells under the brand names “Verdant Farms” and “Good Harvest.” You should check for “best by” dates between June 15, 2025, and July 5, 2025. The FDA advises that if you cannot confirm the brand or purchase date, it is safest to discard the product.
2. What should I do if I find these tomatoes in my home?
Do not eat them. The FDA recommends you seal the product in a bag and dispose of it in the trash. Afterward, thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces, cutting boards, or utensils that may have come into contact with the tomatoes to prevent the spread of bacteria.
3. What are the symptoms of this specific Salmonella infection?
The Salmonella Wandsworth strain can cause more severe symptoms than typical salmonellosis. Look for high fever, severe diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal cramps, and vomiting. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to a life-threatening infection. If you experience these symptoms after potentially consuming the recalled tomatoes, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
4. Is it safe to eat other types of tomatoes?
Yes. The current FDA tomato recall is specific to grape tomatoes from Verdant Farms sold under the “Verdant Farms” and “Good Harvest” labels. Tomatoes from other producers or different varieties (e.g., beefsteak, cherry, vine-ripened) are not included in this advisory. Always wash produce thoroughly before consumption.
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