Salmonella: Vine-Ripened Tomatoes Recalled In Illinois, 10 States

Why does this always happen to popular foods? When's the last time you saw a recall on brussels sprouts or beets? That's what I thought.

Vine-ripened tomatoes are wildly popular at any time of the year, but the spring and summer seasons seem really raise their profile on Illinois' dinner tables. Fans of vine-ripened tomatoes argue that the vine-ripened variety are richer, sweeter, and have less acidic flavor compared to tomatoes that are picked green and ripened off the vine.

They also think that vine-ripened tomatoes tend to have a more firm, juicy, and less mealy texture, and that the presence of the vine and stem can also contribute to a more pleasant aroma and overall tomato-eating experience.

That's all great unless there happens to be a problem with:

There Are Actually Two Problems, Resulting In Two Recalls Of Vine-Ripened Tomatoes

The problem is possible salmonella contamination, and the two recalls cover a total of 14 states. The first recall, and the only one that matters if you're living and eating in Illinois, is the Indiana-based Ray & Mascari Inc. tomato recall that includes Illinois and these states:

• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

The other salmonella-based recall is also for vine-ripened tomatoes produced by Williams Farms Repack LLC. That recall is for people living in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Here's What You Need To Know About The Vine-Ripened Tomatoes Being Recalled Here In Illinois

According to the FDA, the Ray & Mascari Inc. tomatoes were packaged in clamshell containers that were sold through Gordon Food Service Stores. Here's the FDA's description:

This product is sold in plastic clamshells containing 4 tomatoes. The 4- count plastic clam shells have a VINE RIPE TOMATOES label containing a Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204. The master case would be a cardboard produce box with a lid, containing 12 4 count containers. The master case label would have Lot# RM250424 15250B or Lot# RM250427 15250B.

As is usually the case in these sorts of recalls, the FDA asks that you discard the product and do not consume. Consumers with questions or reports of any illness can contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 1-317-637-0234, Monday- Saturday, 5am-4pm CDT.