- Date issued: May 2, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on May 2, 2025
- Company name: Williams Farms Repack LLC
- Brand: H&C Farms
- Product: Multiple tomato varieties and sizes
- Issue: Potential Salmonella contamination
- Product details: Tomatoes packaged between 4/23–4/28/2025, distributed in GA, NC, and SC
- How to take action: Return to store or discard, contact provided for questions
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What happened?
Tomatoes may be the heart of many meals, but this time, they’ve brought along an unwelcome guest—Salmonella. On May 2, 2025, Williams Farms Repack LLC issued a voluntary recall for several tomato products under the H&C Farms and Williams Farms Repack labels after being notified by Southeast Tomato Distributors of a potential contamination.
The tomatoes were distributed between April 23–28, 2025, and sold in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to wholesalers and distributors. No illnesses have been reported (phew!), but the risk is there—and so is the recall.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By/Lot Code |
H&C Farms / Williams Farms | Tomatoes | 5×6 25lb | N/A | R4467 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | 6×6 25lb | N/A | R4467, R4470 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | Combo 25lb | N/A | R4467 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | 4×4 2layer | N/A | R4467 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | 4×5 2layer | N/A | R4467 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | 60ct 2layer | N/A | R4467 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | 60ct 18lb loose | N/A | R4467, R4470 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | XL 18lb loose | N/A | R4467 |
H&C Farms | Tomatoes | 3ct trays | 0 33383 65504 8 | R4467 |
What caused the issue?
The core of the issue? A microscopic menace known as Salmonella. This bacteria has a reputation for turning produce from farm-fresh to foodborne hazard in no time flat.
On April 29, 2025, Williams Farms Repack LLC was alerted by Southeast Tomato Distributors that tomatoes supplied from H&C Farms might be contaminated with Salmonella. While no illnesses have been reported so far (thankfully!), the company didn’t hesitate to recall a wide range of tomato products out of an abundance of caution.
What is Salmonella and why should we worry?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can thrive on raw produce, especially when handling, washing, or storage procedures fall short. While proper cooking kills the bacteria, raw or lightly cooked tomatoes—say, in salads or salsas—can easily carry the risk straight to the consumer’s plate.
Who’s most at risk?
Certain groups face more serious consequences if infected:
- Children under 5
- Elderly adults (65+)
- Pregnant people
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients)
For these groups, Salmonella can go beyond a stomachache and lead to serious complications like:
- Severe dehydration
- Bloodstream infections (bacteremia)
- Infected arteries or heart valves (endocarditis)
- Reactive arthritis
Common symptoms of salmonella infection
Not everyone who gets infected feels it the same way, but typical symptoms include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food and can last 4 to 7 days.
10 common questions you might have
1. Can I wash the tomatoes and eat them anyway?
Nope. Washing might reduce surface bacteria, but Salmonella can reside inside the fruit. Best to return or discard.
2. What if I already ate some and feel fine?
You’re probably in the clear. Symptoms usually appear within a week. If you’re feeling fine after 6 days, you’re likely okay.
3. I cooked the tomatoes—am I safe?
If cooked thoroughly (165°F or above), yes. Heat kills Salmonella. Still, check the label and follow recall instructions.
4. Are canned or jarred tomatoes affected?
No, only the fresh produce listed in the recall is involved.
5. I bought tomatoes in Georgia—should I be concerned?
Yes, products were distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
6. Where do I find the lot code or label info?
Check the packaging (box, tray, or sticker). If it says R4467 or R4470, it may be affected.
7. What if I’ve already thrown away the packaging?
When in doubt, throw it out. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it.
8. Are grocery stores responsible for alerting customers?
Stores are advised to post recall notices and pull affected stock. Still, it’s good to check your produce at home.
9. How do I contact the company for questions or a refund?
Call Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154, Mon–Fri, 8AM–5PM EST.
10. Will these tomatoes be back on shelves soon?
Only after thorough safety checks and FDA clearance. Until then, they’re off the menu.
Here’s what you should do
If you’re handling tomatoes from H&C Farms or Williams Farms Repack, here’s how to identify and respond:
- Check the label for the brand name, lot code, and packaging date
- Don’t eat them—even if they look fine
- Return the product to the store for a full refund
- Contact: Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 (Mon–Fri, 8AM–5PM EST)
Behind the brand
Williams Farms Repack LLC, based in Lodge, South Carolina, is no stranger to the produce game. While this may be their first major recall in recent history, it highlights the ongoing importance of supply chain vigilance, especially with fresh produce. Similar recalls occurred the last months; for instance, on February 6, Turkana Food Inc. from Kenilworth, NJ recalled 858 cases OF Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
“As a company committed to providing safe, high-quality ingredients, we know that food safety must be prioritized at every stage of the supply chain. This Salmonella recall is a clear example of how even familiar produce like tomatoes can pose a risk if safety measures falter. It’s a strong reminder that the industry needs to stay proactive—through strict testing, transparent practices, and careful sourcing—to protect consumers, especially those most vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
Recalls like this are more than a blip on the produce radar—they’re a wake-up call to maintain robust food safety systems, especially when dealing with perishable goods like tomatoes. It only takes one contaminated batch to risk consumer health, damage brand trust, and cause financial setbacks.
At the industry level, this underscores the need for:
- Better farm-to-fork traceability
- Regular microbial testing at co-manufacturer and supplier levels
- Tight quality control for bulk and private label sourcing
If you’ve purchased any of these tomatoes:
- Toss them or return them—just don’t eat them.
- Wash any surfaces they’ve touched to prevent cross-contamination.
- Stay in the loop with recall updates.
Looking for safe, high-quality ingredients from vetted suppliers? Contact us today and explore our trusted selection—because peace of mind should be part of every purchase.
