Grape Tomato Recall Issued Due to Salmonella Risk

A recall for Grape tomatoes has been issued in at least 10 states and parts of Canada, after it was discovered that they may be contaminated with salmonella. 

The grape tomato recall was announced on Monday after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors detected salmonella on a grape tomato in New York.

The recalled tomatoes originated at a farm in Estero, Florida and were grown by Six L’s Packing Company Inc. The contaminated tomato found in New York was to be distributed for use in a deli salad by Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. Both companies issued recall announcements.

There have been no reports of salmonella food poisoning linked to the recalled grape tomatoes. The tomatoes were distributed to Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, as well as Canada.

The recall affects one lot of grape tomatoes packed in either clam shells or 20 lbs. cardboard containers with the Cherry Berry lot code of DW-H, according to the Six L’s recall announcement. The tomatoes were further distributed in a variety of salads under labels including Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Albertson’s, Raley’s, Signature Café and Savemart. A full list of affected products is available in the Taylor Farms Pacific grape tomato recall announcement.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe food poisoning. For most healthy adults, symptoms of food poisoning from salmonella typically resolve after a few days or weeks. However, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of suffering severe food poisoning after ingesting the bacteria. If not properly treated, some cases of salmonella food poisoning can lead to hospitalization, dehydration or death.

Taylor Farms Pacific recommends that consumers who purchased affected tomatoes or salads containing the grape tomatoes avoid eating them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers with questions can call Taylor Farms Pacific at 209-835-6300.

Photo Courtesy of Lori L. Stalteri via Flickr by CC2.0