Williams Farms Repack, a Georgia-based produce distributor, has yanked multiple varieties of fresh tomatoes from stores in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina after fears of Salmonella contamination sent shockwaves through the region.
Yep, you read that right. The red, juicy fruit you probably sliced up this week could be hiding a nasty bacterial hitchhiker. And now, it’s causing panic in produce aisles from Savannah to Charlotte.
Over a dozen tomato packages—including trays, two-layer cartons, and even loose bulk produce—have been pulled off shelves. We’re talking 25-pound boxes, 3-count trays, and even “XL 18lb Loose” lots, all potentially contaminated and now on the USDA’s naughty list.
It gets worse: the affected lot codes (R4467 and R4470) were distributed between April 23 and April 28, which means they may already be in your kitchen.
And don’t think this is just a mild tummy ache situation. Salmonella can lead to serious illness—think violent vomiting, painful cramps, fever, and diarrhea. For kids, seniors, and anyone with a weaker immune system, it could even be life-threatening.
No illnesses have been reported… yet—but officials are scrambling to contain the damage before this turns into another Chipotle-style food safety scandal.
So, how did this mess even start? It all kicked off when Southeast Tomato Distributors tipped off Williams Farms about possible contamination from a supplier, H&C Farms. From there, the dominos fell hard and fast.
And the FDA? They’re on high alert. The agency has launched a full-blown investigation while consumers are being urged—no, begged—not to eat the tomatoes. Toss them. Return them. Just don’t risk it.
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