In a major food safety development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strong advisory urging people not to consume certain tomato varieties sold in at least 14 states. The decision follows the discovery of potential Salmonella contamination, a bacteria known to cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses.

According to FDA officials, the affected tomatoes were sold between April 23 and April 28, 2025, in states including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and may pose a life-threatening health risk, especially for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

What the FDA Has Said

In a revised advisory issued on June 3, the FDA stated:

“Consumers are strongly advised not to eat the tomatoes purchased during the specified period. If you have them in your kitchen, please either discard them or return them to the store.”

The alert has triggered immediate removal of two types of tomatoes from store shelves across 14 states. While no deaths or hospitalizations have been reported so far, FDA officials are taking a proactive approach to avoid any outbreak escalation.

What is Salmonella and Why Is It Dangerous?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella is a harmful bacterium that can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting within 12 to 72 hours of ingestion.

Although many healthy individuals recover without treatment, the bacteria can cause severe or even fatal complications in:

• Children under the age of 5

• Elderly individuals

• Pregnant women

• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, diabetics)

Important Note: Cooking, freezing, or drying may slow the growth of the bacteria but does not eliminate it entirely, especially in raw produce like tomatoes.

States Affected by the Recall

As of the latest update, tomatoes have been pulled from retail stores in the following states:

1. Georgia

2. North Carolina

3. South Carolina

4. Florida

5. Alabama

6. Tennessee

7. Virginia

8. Kentucky

9. Ohio

10. Indiana

11. Pennsylvania

12. New Jersey

13. Maryland

14. Delaware

Retailers across these states have been instructed to halt all sales of the identified tomato varieties until further testing and clearance from the FDA.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection (Salmonellosis)

If you’ve recently consumed tomatoes and experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

• Persistent diarrhea

• High fever (above 101°F)

• Abdominal cramps

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dehydration (especially in children and elderly)

What Consumers Should Do

• Do not consume tomatoes purchased between April 23–28 from grocery stores in the affected states.

• Check packaging and labels, if available, for sourcing information.

• Discard or return the tomatoes if they match the advisory.

• If symptoms appear, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

• Wash all surfaces (cutting boards, knives, counters) that came in contact with the produce.

Expert Insight: Why This Recall Is Critical

Dr. Emily Stevens, a public health specialist at a U.S. university, stated:

“Salmonella contamination in tomatoes is particularly dangerous because tomatoes are commonly consumed raw, in salads and sandwiches. There’s no kill-step involved, so ingestion of live bacteria becomes a major risk.”

How Long Can Salmonella Survive on Produce?

FDA reports indicate that:

• In dry conditions, the bacteria can survive for weeks.

• In moist conditions, it can remain active for months.

• Freezing does not kill the bacteria.

This makes early identification and public warnings essential to prevent outbreaks.