The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that a batch of ripe tomatoes has been recalled after potential Salmonella contamination was detected. The tomatoes were sold in 14 states across the country. If you recently purchased this product, we’ll tell you which one it is and what you should do with it.
Which Tomatoes Were Recalled?
According to the FDA, the recall involves tomatoes from the brand Ray & Mascari, based in Indiana. The recall included a batch of 4-count packages in clamshell containers. The plastic boxes are labeled “Ripe Tomatoes” and have the UPC code 7 96553 20062 1.
Where Were the Recalled Ray & Mascari Tomatoes Sold?
The recalled tomatoes were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following U.S. states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
What Should I Do If I Bought the Recalled Tomatoes?
The FDA advises consumers who purchased the recalled tomatoes not to consume them. You can return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
What Is Salmonella?
According to Mayo Clinic, Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals and is shed through feces. People typically become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
While some people infected with Salmonella may not show symptoms, many experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy individuals recover without medical treatment within a few days or up to a week.
However, in certain cases, diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration that requires urgent medical attention. If the bacteria spread beyond the intestines, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps (abdominal pain)
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Headache
- Blood in the stool
How to Prevent Salmonella Infection
There are several ways to prevent a Salmonella infection and stop its spread to others. Key precautions include safe food handling, thorough handwashing, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods. These measures are especially important when cooking or caring for infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid Salmonella infection:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, cleaning up pet waste, or handling raw meat.
- Do not eat raw eggs.
- If a recipe contains raw eggs (such as cookie dough, homemade ice cream, mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, or eggnog), ensure the eggs are pasteurized.
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- Store raw beef, poultry, and fish separately from other foods in your refrigerator.
- When cooking, avoid placing cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat unless it has been washed.
- Thoroughly clean food preparation surfaces with soap and water.
- Make sure food is cooked to the appropriate temperature before eating.
- Refrigerate or freeze food as soon as possible. Leaving it out too long at room temperature can accelerate spoilage and bacterial growth.
What is the FDA?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency whose mission is to protect public health. It does so by overseeing the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, biological products, and medical devices for both human and veterinary use. The FDA also ensures the safety of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products.
In addition, the FDA regulates the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products in order to protect public health and reduce tobacco use, particularly among minors.
As part of its mission, the FDA also promotes public health by fostering innovation and making medical products safer, more effective, and more accessible. It provides clear, science-based information to help the public make informed decisions about the use of food and medical products that contribute to their well-being.
The FDA also plays a key role in defending the country against terrorism by ensuring the safety of the food supply and promoting the development of medical products to respond to both intentional and naturally occurring public health threats.
