Tomato Recall: Florida-Based Company Recalls 800 Boxes due to Salmonella Risk

Big Red Tomato Packers is recalling numerous lots of its fresh tomatoes. The East Coast Florida company is currently recalling 790 20- and 25-pound boxes of tomatoes shipped in lot number 1106, the Fort Pierce, Fla.-based Big Red according to a Feb. 7 news release, due to contamination.

A routine sampling conducted on Jan. 28 showed that there was a potential for contamination, according to a Big Red's official.

Tomatoes from the lot were distributed via "a limited number of receivers" in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Michigan, according to a news release, via a press release.  

According to the Mayo Clinic, salmonella is an organism that can create serious infections in young children, the frail and the elderly. It can also be particularly problematic for those with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those who are infected with the bacteria my experience diarrhea, fever, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting.

UPI notes that the company said it is "currently reviewing all policies and procedures associated with food safety to minimize any future occurrence."

At this time, no reports of any illnesses have been associated with consumption of the tomatoes in which suspected lots have been reporter. However, as salmonella is the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States, health officials tell those who may have come into contact with the food to be on the lookout by "avoiding raw and lightly cooking foods."

Health officials also note that properly washing hands with soap and warm water is an important part of handling food and keeping kitchen surfaces and other areas clean and to help prevent the spread of possible infection.