It turns out that there's a tomato recall for Big Red Tomato Packers. Concerns of possible salmonella contamination have caused the company to recall nearly 800 boxes of its fresh tomatoes, according to Health Newsline.
The Florida-based company recalled 790 of the 20- to 25-pound boxes of fresh tomatoes yesterday. These tomatoes, which were located in lot 1106, were distributed to a limited number of customers in Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. All of those who received shipments have been notified of the recall, according to Upi.com
The potential salmonella contamination was actually first detected during a Jan. 28 routine sampling of a single lot, according to The Packer. Currently, though, no illness has been reported from the distributed tomatoes. Yet it still might be too early to tell.
Salmonella is actually an infection with bacteria. Most people infected with the bacteria can develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. While the illness only lasts about 4 to 7 days, it's a singularly unpleasant experience. In the food industry, the bacteria can impact produce and cause massive recalls. Because the bacteria multiplies easily at room temperature, it can be difficult to get rid of. However, salmonella can be killed by both cooking and pasteurization.
"Big Red is currently reviewing all policies and procedures associated with food safety to minimize and future occurrence," said company officials in a news release. "Big Red Tomato Packers is and will remain committed to being a quality producer of Florida tomatoes."
Any of these tomatoes remaining should be disposed of immediately, according to company officials.
