Salmonella contamination prompts Florida tomato recall

TRACY, California - A Florida tomato grower is voluntarily recalling its grape tomatoes after a sample tested positive for salmonella.

Six Las Packing Company Inc. said in a statement that no illnesses had been reported in connection to the recall as of April 29.

The Immokalee, Fla.-based company says the recalled product was packed on April 11 under the Cherry Berry lot code DW-H in clam shells or 20-pound cardboard containers. The tomatoes were distributed to California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia, as well as Canada.

The contamination was found by a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector at a New York distributor, according to Six L's. The tomatoes originated from a farm in Estero, Fla.

The tomatoes also were used in deli salads made by Tracy-based Taylor Farms Pacific Inc., which also recalled products Monday.

The salads were sold in plastic trays and at deli counters in Albertsons, Raley's, Safeway, Savemart, Samos Club and Walmart stores across the West and some Midwestern states.

The affected states are Arizona, Oregon, California, Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.

Customers are being asked to return the recalled products to the place of purchase for a refund.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.