Tomatoes recalled in 11 States, including Illinois, over salmonella risk

Tomatoes sold in 11 states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, are being recalled due to potential salmonella contamination, as reported by ABC Chicago in their coverage of this expanding food safety concern. Ray & Mascari Inc. is recalling its four-count vine-ripened tomatoes packaged in 20-ounce clamshell containers.

The packaging is labeled "VINE RIPE TOMATOES" with UPC# 7 96553 20062 1 and a master case label with either Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B. According to information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shared by ABC Chicago, the recall was initiated by Hanshaw & Capling Farms due to the possible presence of salmonella in their facility.

The affected tomatoes were distributed to stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported so far in connection with these products. Consumers who have purchased these tomatoes are urged not to eat them and to dispose of them immediately. Anyone with questions or who wishes to report an illness can contact Ray & Mascari Inc. directly at 1-317-637-0234, as advised by ABC Chicago in their consumer alert.

The recalled tomatoes were sold by Gordon Food Service stores across the affected states, according to NBC Chicago, which elaborated on the health risks associated with salmonella contamination. The recall was issued "because of the potential for them to be contaminated with salmonella," according to the Food & Drug Administration information cited in the NBC Chicago report. The tomatoes were packaged in plastic clamshells containing four tomatoes each, with labels indicating they were "packed by Ray & Mascari Inc." Master cases are cardboard produce boxes with lids containing 12 clamshell containers, labeled with lot #RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B.

NBC Chicago explained that according to the FDA, "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." Common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which typically begin anywhere from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria. While most people recover within four to seven days without treatment, certain high-risk individuals may experience more severe illness, potentially leading to serious complications like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

This recall from the Indianapolis-based company comes shortly after a separate recall of tomatoes from Williams Farms Repack LLC in three states, also for potential salmonella contamination, as noted by USA Today in their broader coverage of food safety issues. USA Today explained that Ray & Mascari Inc. was notified by their supplier, Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Florida, that they were recalling a lot of tomatoes due to the potential presence of salmonella in their facilities. These tomatoes were subsequently repackaged into the 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes product that is now under recall. Stores that received the recalled lots have been notified and provided with instructions to contact their customers and distribution centers, according to FDA information shared by USA Today.

For consumers concerned about salmonella risk, USA Today provided additional health information, noting that salmonella is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including children younger than 5 and adults over 65, who may experience more severe symptoms requiring medical treatment or hospitalization. The most common symptoms appear between six hours and six days after exposure, though most healthy adults recover without specific treatment within a week.

Sources:

• https://abc7chicago.com/post/fda-tomato-recall-states-tomatoes-sold-11-including-illinois-indiana-wisconsin-recalled-due-potential-salmonella/16330748/

• https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/tomatoes-recalled-in-11-states-including-illinois-over-salmonella-concerns/3737807/

• https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/05/04/tomatoes-recall-salmonella/83447234007/