Big Red Tomatoes Recalled for Salmonella
Big Red Tomatoes has voluntarily recalled nearly 800 20 and 25-pound boxes of fresh tomatoes from distributors due to the potential of a salmonella contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The tomato company, which puts its tomatoes through rigorous contamination testing that "exceed FDA regulations," discovered a potential for limited salmonella contamination during random safety sampling on January 28. In response, the company voluntarily recalled all tomatoes associated with that lot, issuing a general public health warning through the FDA on Febuary 7.
"Big Red is currently reviewing all policies and procedures associated with food safety to minimize any future occurrence," company officials stated in the release. "Big Red Tomato Packers is and will remain committed to being a quality producer of Florida tomatoes"
As of today, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled tomatoes.
According to the FDA, Salmonella is a serious infection most commonly received from consuming undercooked poultry or eggs, but can also be carried by some vegetables. In healthy people, it generally results in abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration. In those with compromised immune systems, the infection is potentially fatal.
The FDA investigates all instances of Salmonella thoroughly, intent on finding the source of any illness in the interest of preventing an outbreak. Food companies are obligated to recall all food products even remotely tied to a case, but in many instances, like in the case of Big Red Tomatoes, the company will proactively prevent outbreaks from happening in the interest of the public and preservation of their own products.
Big Red ships bell peppers and vine-ripe tomatoes to distributors throughout the country, but this particular shipment of tomatoes only reached recivers in Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsyvania, and Tennesee.
More information about the recall can be found within the FDA Feb. 7 press release.
Feb 11, 2014 04:59 PM EST
