Cherry Tomato Recall Issued Due to Salmonella Risk

A recall has been issued for 840 cartons of cherry tomatoes due to the possible risk of salmonella food poisoning.

A Capital City Fruit Clamshell Cherry Tomatoes recall was posted by the FDA last week, after a Mexican based supplier, Rio Queen Citrus Inc., warned that certain lots of the cherry tomatoes may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The FDA has also announced a wider Rio Queen Citrus cherry tomato recall as well.

The contamination was discovered through random testing, but no food poisoning illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalls.  

The recalled cherry tomatoes were grown by Rio Queen Citrus Inc., and some were passed on to Capital City Fruit Inc. where they were repackaged and sold as Capital Brand 1-pint clamshell tomatoes to various retailers from November 14 to November 18. These packages contain a label located on the top of the container and have a 4-digit date code on the lower right side of the label. Any 4-digit date code listed may be associated with the contaminated tomatoes and should be discarded.

The Rio Queen Citrus Inc. cherry tomatoes were not only distributed to Capital City Fruit Inc., but were also distributed in 12/1 dry pints of Mexican cherry tomatoes in “Karol” brand boxes with Lot# “01W45” to various retailers in Texas and South Carolina from November 10 to November 19.

Rio Queen Citrus Inc. has advised that the tomatoes may have been packaged in alternative containers depending on the area and retailer.

Salmonella may pose a risk of serious illness, especially for  young children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system and can cause symptoms that consist of fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which typically resolve in a few days or weeks for healthy individuals. However, if the bacteria enters the blood stream, it can cause more severe side effects such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Consumers who have purchased Mexican cherry tomatoes in North Carolina or Texas should contact their retail store or place of purchase to determine if they were among the facilities to receive this product. All other clamshell cherry tomatoes  with a 4-digit date code should be discarded.

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