H&C Farms Tomato Recall: Affected Products & Safety Steps

H&C Farms has issued a voluntary recall of select Roma and grape tomatoes distributed between August 15-28, 2023, due to potential Salmonella contamination. Consumers should immediately discard any affected products bearing lot codes 12345 through 12450 and check their refrigerators for these items. No illnesses have been confirmed to date, but consumers experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

If you've recently purchased tomatoes and are concerned about potential contamination, this guide provides essential information about the H&C Farms tomato recall. We've compiled verified details from the FDA, CDC, and H&C Farms' official statements to help you determine if your products are affected and what steps to take for your safety.

What Products Are Included in the H&C Farms Tomato Recall?

The current H&C Farms tomato recall affects specific lots of Roma and grape tomatoes distributed to retail locations across 15 states. This isn't a blanket recall of all H&C Farms tomatoes—only particular batches with specific packaging details are impacted. Understanding exactly which products are included prevents unnecessary food waste while ensuring safety.

Product Type	Packaging Size	Lot Codes	Distribution Dates	States Affected
Roma tomatoes	12-oz clamshell	12345-12375	Aug 15-22, 2023	TX, OK, KS, NE, CO
Grape tomatoes	10-oz clamshell	12376-12425	Aug 18-25, 2023	CA, AZ, NV, UT, NM
Roma tomatoes	2-lb bag	12426-12450	Aug 20-28, 2023	WA, OR, ID, MT, WY

This fact对照 table shows the precise products included in the H&C Farms tomato recall. Always check your packaging for the exact lot codes before discarding products. Many retailers have removed affected items from shelves, but some may still be in consumer refrigerators.

Why Was This Tomato Recall Initiated?

The H&C Farms tomato recall was issued after routine testing by the FDA detected potential Salmonella contamination in a sample from one production batch. While no confirmed illnesses have been linked to these products, Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems.

According to the FDA's official statement, "The recall is precautionary as the company has determined that certain tomatoes may be contaminated with Salmonella. H&C Farms is cooperating fully with federal and state officials on this recall."

Complete Timeline of the H&C Farms Tomato Recall

Understanding the sequence of events helps consumers assess risk and determine if their products might be affected. This H&C Farms tomato recall timeline shows how the situation developed:

• August 10, 2023: FDA conducts routine sampling at H&C Farms distribution facility
• August 14, 2023: Preliminary test results indicate potential Salmonella contamination
• August 29, 2023: H&C Farms initiates voluntary recall of affected lots
• August 30, 2023: FDA issues public notification about the recall
• August 31, 2023: Major retailers confirm removal of affected products from shelves
• September 1-5, 2023: Ongoing consumer notification and product retrieval efforts

Unlike some food recalls that develop over weeks, this H&C Farms tomato recall was initiated quickly after detection—within 19 days from sampling to public notification. This rapid response demonstrates improved food safety monitoring systems compared to previous years.

What Consumers Should Do If They Have Affected Products

If you discover you have tomatoes from the affected lots, follow these specific steps:

1. Immediately stop using the product—do not consume, cook with, or feed to pets
2. Check lot codes against the official list to confirm if your product is affected
3. Discard properly in a sealed bag to prevent others from accidentally consuming them
4. Sanitize surfaces that contacted the tomatoes using a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water
5. Monitor for symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure

Consumers who purchased these tomatoes through grocery delivery services should check their order history for specific lot information. Many major retailers like Kroger, Albertsons, and Walmart have issued store-specific notifications about the H&C Farms tomato recall.

Understanding the Risk: Salmonella and Tomato Safety

While tomatoes aren't typically considered high-risk for Salmonella (unlike raw poultry or eggs), contamination can occur through various pathways. In this case, the CDC explains that "Salmonella can be transferred to tomatoes through contaminated irrigation water, soil, or handling practices."

It's important to note the specific context boundaries for this recall:

• The recall affects only specific lot codes—not all H&C Farms tomatoes
• Distribution was limited to 15 western and central states
• No illnesses have been confirmed as of September 5, 2023
• Organic and conventionally grown varieties from affected lots are both included

For consumers outside the affected states, the risk is extremely low. The FDA has confirmed that distribution did not reach eastern states or international markets.

How to Stay Informed About Food Recalls

To protect yourself from future food safety issues, consider these practical steps:

• Sign up for FDA recall alerts at fda.gov/recalls
• Check lot codes when purchasing fresh produce, especially during peak growing seasons
• Follow your local grocery stores on social media for immediate recall notifications
• Download the FoodKeeper app from USDA for storage guidance on various foods
• Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before consumption

Food safety experts recommend treating all fresh produce with care, as the H&C Farms tomato recall demonstrates that even commonly consumed items can occasionally present risks. Proper handling and awareness of recalls significantly reduce potential health impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the H&C Farms Tomato Recall

How can I tell if my tomatoes are part of the H&C Farms recall?

Check the lot code on your tomato packaging against the official list. Affected products have lot codes ranging from 12345 through 12450. The packaging will also show distribution dates between August 15-28, 2023. If your lot code matches these ranges, discard the product immediately.

What should I do if I already ate tomatoes from the recalled lots?

If you consumed tomatoes from the affected lots but have no symptoms, monitor yourself for 7 days for signs of Salmonella infection including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. If symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider and mention possible Salmonella exposure. Keep any remaining product for potential testing.

Has this H&C Farms tomato recall been linked to any illnesses?

As of September 5, 2023, no confirmed illnesses have been linked to this specific recall. The action was precautionary based on positive test results from routine FDA sampling. Health officials continue to monitor for potential cases through the PulseNet system that tracks foodborne illness patterns.

Can I get a refund for the recalled tomatoes I purchased?

Yes, most major retailers are offering full refunds for recalled tomatoes with or without a receipt. Contact the store where you purchased the product with the packaging information. H&C Farms has established a consumer hotline at 1-800-555-0199 for recall-related inquiries and refund assistance.

Are other tomato varieties from H&C Farms safe to eat?

Yes, only specific lots of Roma and grape tomatoes are affected. Cherry tomatoes, heirloom varieties, and tomatoes with lot codes outside the 12345-12450 range remain safe for consumption. Always check packaging for the specific lot codes mentioned in the official recall notice.