FDA Gives Highest Risk Warning for Recent Tomato Recall

INDIANAPOLIS - In May, Ray and Mascari Inc., an Indiana-based company, has issued a recall on its 4-count packs of Vine-Ripe Tomatoes. 

The recall is due to potential salmonella contamination.

The FDA has since elevated the recall, warning that the tomatoes could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. 

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recalled tomatoes were sold by Gordon Food Services in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. 

Consumers who have purchased 4-Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes should discard the product and do not consume. 

No illnesses have been reported at this time.