Another American food producer has been forced to recall its product after the Food and Drug Administration warned against consuming tomatoes due to potential salmonella contamination.
Indianapolis-based Ray & Mascari Inc. has recalled its “4-Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes” sold in 11 states.
The tomatoes were packaged in plastic clamshell containers with the label “VINE RIPE TOMATOES” and “Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204.”
They were distributed to Gordon Food Service Stores across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The potentially contaminated products can be identified by their UPC number 7 96553 20062 1 and master case labels with either Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250 B.
This latest removal raises concerns about the effectiveness of the food safety systems, coming at a time when American consumers already face rising grocery bills and supply chain disruptions.
According to the announcement, Ray & Mascari initiated the recall after receiving notification from Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Immokalee, Florida, about possible salmonella presence in their tomatoes.
While no illnesses related to these tomatoes have been reported thus far, consumers who purchased the affected products are advised to take immediate action to protect their families.
Meanwhile, the FDA warned that salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations.
In its statement, the agency said that these contaminated products can “cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”
In addition, in a separate but similar recall, Williams Farms Repack LLC announced on May 2 that tomatoes distributed to Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina might also be contaminated with Salmonella.
These tomatoes were packaged and sold between April 23 and 28, and Southeast Tomato Distributors notified consumers of potential contamination, indicating H&C Farms as the source.
Health officials reported that salmonella symptoms can be severe and consumers should remain vigilant.
“Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,” the report said.
Even more concerning is that “In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.”
Additionally, this recall comes at a time when many Americans are already struggling with high food prices and questioning the effectiveness of federal oversight agencies.
Consumers are advised to either return the affected tomatoes to their place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.
Those with questions or who need to report illness should contact Ray & Mascari Inc. during normal business hours.
As American families continue to face these preventable food safety issues, many wonder why the regulatory agencies seem more focused on new regulations for small businesses rather than effectively enforcing existing safety protocols for the nation’s food supply.
