Tomato Recall 2023: Salmonella Alert & Safety Guide

Immediate Alert: As of October 2023, there is an active multi-state tomato recall due to potential Salmonella contamination. Affected products include specific varieties of grape and cherry tomatoes distributed by Fresh Crete Farms across 15 states. No illnesses have been confirmed yet, but consumers should check packaging dates between September 15-28, 2023, and discard any potentially contaminated products immediately.

What You Need to Do Right Now

If you purchased grape or cherry tomatoes in the past two weeks, take these immediate actions:

• Check your refrigerator for tomatoes with "Fresh Crete Farms" branding and packaging dates between September 15-28, 2023
• Discard immediately if your products match the recall criteria - do not consume or attempt to wash off contamination
• Contact your retailer for refunds if you've already consumed affected products without symptoms
• Monitor for symptoms for 12-72 hours after potential exposure (fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps)

Salmonella contamination cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. Washing tomatoes does not eliminate the bacteria as it can penetrate inside the fruit during growth.

Understanding This Tomato Recall

The FDA and CDC are investigating a potential Salmonella Typhimurium contamination in certain tomato products. While no confirmed illnesses have been reported, traceback investigations identified the same strain in irrigation water samples from the implicated farm.

Affected Products	Unaffected Products
Fresh Crete Farms grape tomatoes (17oz clamshells)	All other grape tomato brands
Packaging dates: Sept 15-28, 2023	Packaging dates outside this range
UPC: 078742154321	Different UPC codes
Distributed in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, NV, NY, TX, WA	Products sold in other states

Recall Timeline: How This Situation Developed

Understanding the sequence of events helps consumers assess risk and response:

• Sept 10, 2023: Routine FDA testing at Fresh Crete Farms irrigation source detects Salmonella
• Sept 20, 2023: Internal company testing confirms contamination in select tomato batches
• Sept 29, 2023: Voluntary recall initiated for specific production dates
• Oct 2, 2023: FDA classifies recall as Class II ("a health risk is possible but unlikely")
• Oct 5, 2023: Current status - Ongoing monitoring with no confirmed illnesses reported

Salmonella Risk Assessment: What Consumers Should Know

While Salmonella contamination in produce is concerning, understanding the actual risk helps prevent unnecessary panic:

• Not all tomatoes are affected - only specific varieties from one distributor during a limited timeframe
• High-risk groups (children under 5, adults over 65, immunocompromised individuals) should exercise extra caution
• Incubation period ranges from 6 hours to 6 days after consumption
• Most healthy adults recover without treatment in 4-7 days

The FDA emphasizes that this recall represents a precautionary measure. "We're acting with an abundance of caution," stated Dr. Amanda Chen of the FDA's Center for Food Safety. "The contamination appears limited to specific production batches, but we recommend consumers follow the recall instructions to be safe."

Proper Tomato Handling Practices

Whether dealing with recalled products or practicing general food safety, follow these evidence-based recommendations:

• Refrigerate promptly - Store tomatoes below 40°F (4°C) to slow bacterial growth
• Wash thoroughly - Even non-recalled tomatoes should be washed under running water before consumption
• Use separate cutting boards - Prevent cross-contamination with other foods
• Discard damaged produce - Cracks and bruises provide entry points for bacteria

Important context: While washing can reduce surface bacteria, it cannot eliminate Salmonella that has penetrated inside tomatoes through the stem scar during growth. This explains why recalls are necessary even though consumers routinely wash produce.

Staying Informed About Food Recalls

For the most current information about this and other food safety issues:

• Sign up for FDA Food Recall Notifications
• Check the CDC Salmonella Outbreak Page for health impact assessments
• Follow your state's Department of Agriculture alerts
• Download the FDA Consumer Updates app for mobile notifications

Remember that food recalls are a sign of a functioning safety system working as intended. The FDA's surveillance and traceback capabilities have improved significantly in recent years, allowing for more targeted recalls that minimize disruption while maximizing consumer protection.

How can I tell if my tomatoes are part of the recall?

Check for 'Fresh Crete Farms' branding, packaging dates between September 15-28, 2023, and UPC 078742154321. Affected products are 17oz clamshells of grape or cherry tomatoes sold in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, NV, NY, TX, and WA.

Can washing recalled tomatoes make them safe to eat?

No. Salmonella can penetrate inside tomatoes through the stem scar during growth. Washing removes only surface bacteria and cannot eliminate internal contamination. Discard recalled products immediately.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection from contaminated tomatoes?

Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after consumption and include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Most healthy adults recover within 4-7 days, but young children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals may experience severe complications.

Why are tomatoes particularly vulnerable to Salmonella contamination?

Tomatoes can become contaminated through irrigation water, soil, or handling. Their slightly acidic nature doesn't prevent Salmonella growth, and the stem scar provides an entry point for bacteria to penetrate inside the fruit where washing cannot reach.