If you recently bought tomatoes in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, it’s time to check your kitchen. A serious recall is now underway, and the FDA has labeled it the most urgent kind—Class I—meaning the contaminated product could lead to severe illness or even death.

What’s Going On?

The recall was first issued on May 2, but things have since escalated. The tomatoes in question may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious health complications—especially in vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

The tomatoes were distributed by Williams Farms Repack LLC, based in Lodge, South Carolina, and sold to wholesalers and distributors under the H&C Farms Label between April 23 and April 28.

Where Were the Tomatoes Sold?

The recalled tomatoes ended up in:

• Georgia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

What Tomato Sizes and Lots Are Affected?

Here’s what to look for on packaging labels:

• 5×6; Lot Code: R4467
• 6×6; Lot Codes: R4467, R4470
• Combo, 25-pound box; R4467
• 4×4, 2-layer; R4467
• 4×5, 2-layer; R4467
• 60-count, 2-layer; R4467
• 60-count, 18 pounds loose; R4467, R4470
• XL, 18 pounds loose; R4467
• 3-count trays; R4467

Why This Is Serious: Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella isn’t something to take lightly. According to the CDC, symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and may include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

While many people recover without treatment, in some cases—particularly among vulnerable populations—the infection can lead to hospitalization and life-threatening complications.

Worryingly, freezing or drying the tomatoes won’t kill the bacteria. Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in moist ones.

So Far, No Reported Illnesses—But Stay Cautious

As of the FDA’s latest update on May 28, no illnesses or deaths have been reported. Still, the agency isn’t taking any chances.

Bought These Tomatoes? Here’s What To Do

The FDA is urging consumers:

• Don’t eat the recalled tomatoes.
• Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, or safely discard them.
• Feeling sick after eating them? Contact your healthcare provider right away.

Stay safe, stay informed—and always double-check your produce when recalls are announced. For ongoing updates, visit the FDA’s recall website.

Source: USA Today – Tomatoes sold in 3 states now labeled deadly by FDA

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A major ice cream recall is underway across the U.S. after Wells Enterprises—also known as Wells Dairy—voluntarily pulled 22 varieties of ice cream and frozen yogurt from circulation due to a risk of plastic contamination.

The recall, issued on April 25, affects products distributed to over 100 food service locations across the country, including restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has labeled the recall as Class II, meaning the products could pose temporary or medically reversible health effects, although the chance of serious injury is low.

Why This Matters

The contamination involves hard plastic, which can be dangerous if accidentally consumed—potentially causing choking, dental damage, or internal injury.

Recalls like this are precautionary steps food companies take when products might contain foreign materials, allergens, or harmful bacteria. Though not considered an immediate health crisis, this recall was issued to prevent any risk to consumers.

What’s Affected

The recalled items are large 3-gallon tubs of ice cream and frozen yogurt, with “Best If Used By” dates between March and October 2026. They include a mix of flavors and brands, from house names to products distributed under private labels.

The largest impacted batch involves over 5,000 tubs of Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. Other affected varieties include:

• Rocky Road
• Mocha Almond Fudge
• Peanut Butter ’N Fudge
• Cotton Candy
• French Vanilla
• Madagascar Vanilla Bean
• Chocolate
• Several flavors under brands like Johnny Rockets, Gordon Choice, Glenview Farms, Sysco, and more

Scroll to the bottom for the full list of recalled UPCs and lot numbers

What Experts Are Saying

Byron D. Chaves, a food science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says contamination at this scale can happen during various stages of industrial production.

“Foreign objects like hard plastic can come from mixing paddles, broken machinery parts, or even damaged packaging lids,” he told Newsweek.
“While rare, it signals a lapse in manufacturing safeguards or supplier controls.”

He added that because this recall is Class II, it likely means either the contaminated products haven’t hit retail shelves yet—or that the plastic pieces are large enough to spot before eating.

What You Should Do

If you’re a distributor, food service provider, or operate a kitchen using bulk ice cream tubs:

• Check the lot numbers and UPC codes
• Immediately remove any affected products from circulation
• Follow disposal or return instructions per FDA guidelines

Consumers are unlikely to find these products in grocery store freezers, but businesses should act quickly to avoid any potential harm.

Full List of Recalled Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Products

Here are all 22 affected products, including UPCs and lot numbers:

• Rocky Road Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050314, Lot 50009
• Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050420, Lot 50016
• Peanut Butter ‘N Fudge Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050574, Lot 50012
• Country Rich Vanilla Ice Cream – UPC: 070640600052, Lot 50085
• Scooper Hero Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050642, Lot 50011
• Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050482, Lot 50018
• GFGB Vanilla Bean Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640000272, Lot 50024
• Quick Blend Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050604, Lot 50034
• Planet Smoothie ZSA Vanilla Fat Free Frozen Yogurt – UPC: 070640005567, Lot 50014
• Johnny Rockets Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640006564, Lot 50029
• BIPC Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640008025, Lot 50024
• Vanilla Frozen Yogurt – UPC: 00070640022144, Lot 50002
• Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640022250, Lot 50005
• GFGB 12 Percent Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640018451, Lot 50004
• Gordon Choice Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 00093901820730, Lot 50003
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (Madagascar Vanilla) – UPC: 50758108658085, Lot 50026
• Glenview Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 50758108118398, Lot 50066
• Glenview Farms Chocolate Ice Cream – UPC: 50758108118404, Lot 50033
• Glenview Farms French Vanilla Ice Cream – UPC: 50758108392668, Lot 50015
• Sysco French Vanilla Ice Cream – UPC: 00074865257275, Lot 50025
• Keith Valley Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 046045065871, Lot 50004
• Ellington Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 046045065833, Lot 50003

Final Takeaway

While the chances of injury are slim, the recall is a smart, proactive move to protect public health. If you handle or distribute any of these products, check your stock now—and keep your customers safe.

For more updates on food safety recalls, follow our coverage or visit FDA.gov.

Source: Newsweek – Ice Cream Recalled Nationwide: Full List of Products Affected

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Cabot Butter Recalled Over Possible Fecal Contamination—What You Need to Know

Check your fridge – Cabot Creamery’s popular sea salted butter is under recall due to potential bacterial contamination.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), roughly 1,700 pounds of butter have been pulled from store shelves across seven states after tests revealed elevated levels of coliform bacteria, which can indicate fecal contamination.

What Butter Is Affected?

The recall affects Cabot Creamery Premium Sea Salted Butter, specifically:

• Size: 8-ounce packages (two 4-ounce sticks)
• Packaging: Cardboard shell
• UPC Code: 0 78354 62038 0
• Best-By Date: September 9, 2025
• Lot Numbers: 090925-055 and 2038

The butter was sold in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

What’s the Risk?

Although the recall is labeled Class III—meaning it’s not expected to cause serious health issues—the presence of coliform bacteria raises concerns. These bacteria can point to fecal matter, which could lead to gastrointestinal illnesses such as:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• In rare cases, foodborne infections like E. coli

If you’ve consumed the butter and start feeling unwell, don’t wait—contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What Should You Do?

• Check your refrigerator: Look for the recalled butter using the UPC, lot numbers, and best-by date.
• Don’t use it: Toss it out or return it to the store where you bought it. A refund may be available.
• Have questions? Call the FDA consumer line at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).

Source: EatingWell – Butter Recalled Due to Potential Fecal Contamination—Here’s What to Know

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FDA Warns of Possible Health Risks Linked to Popular Baked Goods

A massive recall has been issued for approximately 2 million doughnut and pastry products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall, initiated on January 7, was upgraded to Class II on February 5, according to a report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Affected Brands and Products

The recalled items were manufactured by FGF Brands, an Indiana-based pastry wholesaler that supplies baked goods across the United States and Canada. Some of the affected products are typically sold at Dunkin’ locations, one of the most popular coffee and doughnut chains.

The FDA classifies a Class II recall as a situation where exposure to the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, with a remote chance of serious health consequences.

Health Risks: What You Need to Know

The recall was issued due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria known to cause listeriosis—a serious foodborne illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Listeria is the third leading cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in the U.S.
• 1,600 Americans contract listeriosis annually, and about 260 die from it.

Common symptoms include:
Mild Cases: Vomiting, muscle aches, and fever (similar to food poisoning).
Severe Cases: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Certain groups face a higher risk of severe illness, including:
Pregnant women (can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth)
Newborns
Elderly adults (65 and older)
Individuals with weakened immune systems

FGF Brands and Dunkin’ Response

PEOPLE reached out to FGF Brands and Inspire Brands (Dunkin’s parent company) for comment on Saturday, February 8, but no immediate response was received.

Growing Concern Over Food Recalls

This recall follows a wave of recent food safety concerns, including:
Broccoli recall (January 2025) – Also due to potential listeria contamination.
Boar’s Head meat recall (July 2024) – Affected multiple deli meat products.

Public concern over food safety is rising. A December 2024 survey by CivicScience found that:
81% of Americans are at least somewhat concerned about food recalls.
31% are “very concerned.”
16% have actively avoided a product due to recent recalls.

Stay Informed & Stay Safe

Consumers are advised to check their purchased baked goods, follow FDA recall guidelines, and discard or return any affected products.

Source

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A Mother’s Heartbreaking Story

At just 18 days old, Theto Ngobeni underwent her first operation to insert a shunt in her brain, a procedure necessitated by hydrocephalus, a condition caused by a listeriosis infection her mother contracted during pregnancy. Now seven years old, Theto has endured six surgeries to replace her shunt due to blockages and infections.

Her family has paid a heavy price. The mounting medical bills depleted their insurance, forcing them to sell their home and face ongoing debts.

“We still owe the hospital and the bank a lot of money,” says Theto’s mother, Montlha, who also had to undergo a double hip replacement at just 37 due to the same listeriosis infection. “It’s very difficult, and we are on our own. No one is helping us.”

The Devastating Impact of Listeriosis

Listeriosis, caused by listeria bacteria, is a foodborne disease that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and pregnant women. Pregnant women can pass the infection to their unborn children, potentially leading to severe brain, kidney, or heart issues.

From January 2017 to mid-2018, South Africa experienced the largest recorded listeriosis outbreak in the world, with over 1,000 people infected. Tragically, at least 216 people lost their lives, including 93 newborns and nine children aged 14 and under, according to the South African Department of Health.

Infants exposed in utero, like Theto, now live with lifelong health challenges such as cerebral palsy and other neurological complications.

The Link to Contaminated Foods

In March 2018, South African health officials traced the outbreak to ready-to-eat meat products, mainly polony, produced at Enterprise Foods, a subsidiary of Tiger Brands, the nation’s largest food producer. The contaminated products, likely sold for over a year, were manufactured at a facility in Polokwane.

Tiger Brands temporarily closed three facilities, including Polokwane, Germiston, and Pretoria, and recalled its ready-to-eat meats. The company promised to address “valid claims” but denied liability.

Seven Years, No Resolution

Despite compelling evidence linking Tiger Brands to the outbreak, a class-action lawsuit representing Montlha and over 1,000 plaintiffs remains unresolved nearly seven years later.

The plaintiffs argue they contracted listeriosis and suffered harm due to contaminated Tiger Brands products. However, the company maintains that “liability has not yet been determined.”

“While the legal process has been long and arduous, we remain committed to resolving the listeriosis class-action lawsuit as soon as possible, particularly for the victims,” Tiger Brands told CNN.

Thami Malusi, a senior associate at Richard Spoor Incorporated Attorneys (RSI), the firm representing the plaintiffs, is optimistic the case could go to trial this year. Settlement talks are progressing, but RSI continues to prepare for trial.

Global Comparisons: Justice Delayed in South Africa

For context, a 2022 listeriosis outbreak in the United States linked to deli meats sickened 61 people and caused 10 deaths. Boar’s Head, the brand responsible, has already begun facing lawsuits and issuing apologies.

Bill Marler, a renowned foodborne illness attorney, believes that if the South African outbreak had occurred in the US, damages could have reached $1–2 billion. In South Africa, Tiger Brands could face significantly less: around 2 billion rand ($106 million).

“It was clear in 2018 that the cause was the Tiger Brands plant and its polony,” Marler said. “Seven years later, victims still have nothing. That’s a travesty.”

The Evidence Against Tiger Brands

The case hinges on genetic testing from South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Using whole genome sequencing, NICD identified the outbreak strain in Enterprise Foods’ products and Polokwane factory, matching it to most infected patients.

“This is like DNA fingerprinting,” explained Dr. Juno Thomas of NICD. “We compared bacteria from patients, food, and the factory and found conclusive matches.”

Tiger Brands’ own tests corroborated these findings. Still, the company has accused NICD of withholding data, which it claims has delayed resolution. RSI disputes this, asserting that all necessary evidence has been provided.

“Tiger Brands could have settled long ago,” Malusi said. “Instead, they’ve been obstructive.”

Calls for Accountability

Victims continue to plead for Tiger Brands to take responsibility.

“Our innocent kids are struggling because of something they didn’t even eat,” said Montlha. “Tiger Brands owes us an apology and compensation.”

Nthabiseng Ramanamane, another plaintiff, contracted listeriosis during pregnancy, allegedly after eating contaminated polony. Her son, Onkarabile, was born two months premature with cerebral palsy.

Now seven, Onkarabile requires constant care, special diets, and cannot perform basic tasks. “I trusted their products. I thought they were safe,” Ramanamane said. “Now my son’s life has been stolen, and my own is in ruins.”

Final Plea

As the lawsuit drags on, victims like Montlha and Ramanamane live with the daily consequences of an avoidable tragedy. They want Tiger Brands to “do the right thing.”

“It’s time for them to show remorse, take accountability, and provide justice for the families they’ve devastated,” said Ramanamane.

A Call for Change

This case has become a grim reminder of the importance of food safety and corporate accountability. For families like Theto’s and Onkarabile’s, justice is long overdue. Their fight is not just about compensation—it’s about acknowledgment, responsibility, and ensuring such negligence never happens again.

Source

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A major recall of organic carrots has been issued following a deadly E. coli outbreak, affecting multiple brands and stores across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the key details:

Key Facts About the Outbreak

• Cause: Organic carrots contaminated with E. coli O121

  .

• Impact:
  • 39 infections across 18 states.
  • 15 hospitalizations.
  • 1 confirmed death.

States Affected:

Washington, Minnesota, New York, California, Oregon, South Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia, Wyoming.

Recalled Products

The recall involves organic whole and baby carrots packaged by Grimmway Farms and sold under various brands. Key details:

• Whole Carrots: No printed best-if-used-by dates; sold between Aug. 14 and Oct. 23, 2024.
• Baby Carrots: Best-by dates ranging from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12, 2024.

Brands Affected

1. Whole Organic Carrots:
   • Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organics, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.
2. Baby Organic Carrots:
   • Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O-Organics, President’s Choice, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Wholesome Pantry.

Symptoms and Risks of E. coli Infection

E. coli O121

can cause:

• Severe stomach cramps.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• Vomiting.

Symptoms typically appear 3–4 days after exposure and can last up to a week. In severe cases, complications like kidney damage may require hospitalization.

Steps for Consumers

1. Dispose or Return:
   Discard any recalled carrots immediately or return them for a refund.
2. Sanitize:
   Clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products.
3. Seek Medical Attention:
   If experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare provider and inform them about recent food consumption.

Background

The recall is one of several E. coli-related incidents in recent years, underscoring the need for vigilance. The FDA and CDC have identified Grimmway Farms as the common supplier linked to the outbreak.

Stay updated on recalls and food safety alerts to minimize risk.

Source

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Several experts emphasize that they generally avoid certain raw fruits and vegetables prone to contamination, including sprouts, bagged salad greens, and cantaloupe. Federal officials investigating the recent outbreak suspect it may have originated from prewashed, slivered onions served raw on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

Rutgers University food science professor Don Schaffner explains that every step of handling and processing food—from slicing to prewashing—increases the chances of bacterial contamination. “The more manipulation you do, the more potential there is for bacteria,” Schaffner says. Raw fruits and vegetables, which aren’t cooked to kill bacteria, have been implicated in past E. coli outbreaks, such as a 2006 outbreak linked to packaged spinach and various cases linked to sprouts and cantaloupe.

Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University specializing in food regulatory policy, notes that E. coli outbreaks are often associated with produce. Meat outbreaks have declined over the decades due to stricter regulations and better cooking standards.

Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, advises against bagged greens and sprouts. She prefers to buy whole heads of lettuce and remove any torn or damaged leaves, thoroughly washing and drying them with clean paper towels. “Friction from drying helps remove bacteria,” she says.

Sprouts present a specific risk due to warm conditions that promote bacterial growth during sprouting, says Schaffner. Cut melons, especially cantaloupe with its bacteria-trapping rind, are also a high risk. Detwiler emphasizes that cantaloupe’s pH makes it particularly prone to contamination, and its rough rind is difficult to clean effectively.

E. coli spreads from animal or human waste, contaminating food and water. While agriculture improvements have helped, E. coli remains a risk, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, seniors, and people with compromised immune systems.

Kali Kniel, professor of microbial food safety at the University of Delaware, highlights E. coli’s low infectious dose, noting that only a few cells can make someone very ill. Many experts also avoid undercooked meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, as well as unpasteurized milk.

When dining out, food safety experts recommend checking for cleanliness cues. Detwiler, for example, judges a restaurant’s hygiene by inspecting the restroom first. However, fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s generally maintain stringent food safety protocols, according to Detwiler, who says the chain has “a long history of food safety leadership.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that raw onions have not previously been linked to this particular strain of E. coli, though onions have caused salmonella outbreaks in recent years. Experts anticipate food safety measures will continue to improve as a result of this outbreak.

Schaffner acknowledges that completely avoiding foodborne illnesses is impossible. “If you stopped eating foods linked to outbreaks, you’d have little left to eat,” he adds. “Not eating still carries more risks than eating.”

 Source

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