MONDAY, June 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Salmonella-tainted tomatoes in three southern states could cause severe illness or even death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns.

The FDA has updated an ongoing recall of tomatoes distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to Class I — its highest warning level, The New York Times reported.

A Class I recall means there is a reasonable chance that using the product could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The tomatoes were distributed under the H&C Farms label between April 23 and 28 and were sold in packages ranging from a small three-pack to 25-pound boxes.

The tomatoes were first recalled voluntarily in early May, The Times reported, with no reported illnesses at the time. But the FDA says the risk is now considered more severe.

It's not likely that shoppers will come across any fresh tomatoes from the recalled batch, according to the FDA.

However, the salmonella bacteria can survive for weeks in dry places and for months in wet or frozen environments, meaning the tomatoes could still pose a danger if stored, The Times said.

The exact source of the contamination is still unknown. Williams Farms Repack, the South Carolina company that distributed the tomatoes, has not commented. H&C Farms has also declined to comment.

Each year, Salmonella sickens more than 1 million people in the U.S. and claims more than 400 lives, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Symptoms, which may last several days, can include fever, diarrhea and severe stomach pain.

People most at risk include children under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. But the FDA says even healthy people should avoid eating the recalled tomatoes.

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more on salmonella.

SOURCE: The New York Times, June 1, 2025