National Legal Help for Consumers Harmed by Salmonella in Recalled Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple in kitchens across America. But when contaminated with salmonella, something as simple as a fresh salad or sandwich topping can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening illness. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its highest-level warning, a Class 1 recall, concerning tomatoes distributed by Williams Farms Repack LLC in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This classification indicates that the tomatoes may pose a significant health risk, including the potential for severe illness or even death.

Parker Waichman LLP is now accepting cases on behalf of individuals who may have suffered from salmonella infections linked to these tomatoes. We are a national civil litigation law firm with a history of representing consumers in food contamination cases, and we are currently investigating claims nationwide. If you or a loved one became ill after consuming tomatoes during the affected distribution period, we encourage you to explore your legal options immediately.

What Prompted the Tomato Salmonella Recall?

The FDA initially announced a voluntary recall of tomatoes by Williams Farms Repack LLC after identifying possible salmonella contamination in products distributed across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina between April 23 and April 28. Although no confirmed cases of illness had been reported at the time of the initial recall, the FDA later escalated the warning to a Class 1 recall, the most severe category.

A Class 1 recall is reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. This upgrade signals a substantial public health concern and should not be taken lightly, especially by consumers who recently purchased or consumed fresh tomatoes in the affected regions.

Williams Farms Repack tomatoes may have been sold directly to consumers through retail outlets or used by restaurants and food service establishments. If you experienced illness after eating tomatoes during or shortly after the distribution window—and especially if you live in or visited the affected states—you may have been exposed to salmonella.

Understanding the Dangers of Salmonella

Salmonella is one of the most well-known foodborne pathogens and is responsible for an estimated 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How does it spread? Salmonella bacteria are commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, especially raw or undercooked products. Produce like tomatoes can become contaminated during harvesting, packaging, or distribution. The bacteria can also spread from infected food handlers who fail to follow proper hygiene protocols, as well as through unsanitized cutting boards, knives, or storage containers.

Who is most at risk? While anyone can get sick from salmonella, the following groups are especially vulnerable:

  • Children under 5 years old
  • Older adults (65+)
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Pregnant individuals

For these populations, what begins as a mild gastrointestinal illness can escalate into serious complications, including bloodstream infections, dehydration, or prolonged hospital stays.

Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 72 hours after exposure and may include:

  • Severe or persistent diarrhea
  • Fever that can spike above 101.5°F
  • Painful abdominal cramping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache and body aches
  • In severe cases, blood in the stool or signs of systemic infection

Most people recover within four to seven days without medical intervention, but in some cases, symptoms worsen, and hospitalization is required. Complications can include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or bacteremia—a potentially fatal condition where the bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Even for those who recover fully, the experience can be traumatic, financially burdensome, and physically exhausting. If your illness required medical care or caused time away from work, school, or childcare, you may have a legal claim.

Legal Rights for Victims of Foodborne Illness

When a contaminated product enters the food supply, the companies responsible for producing, packaging, and distributing it may be legally liable for the harm caused. Under U.S. product liability and food safety laws, manufacturers and food suppliers are required to ensure that the items they bring to market are safe for consumption and free from dangerous pathogens like salmonella.

In cases involving tainted produce, liability may fall on:

  • Farm operators
  • Food processors
  • Packagers and distributors
  • Retailers and grocery stores
  • Restaurants or food service providers

If any of these parties failed to meet their duty of care—by not properly washing, inspecting, or refrigerating tomatoes, for example—they may be held accountable through a food poisoning lawsuit.

Parker Waichman LLP is pursuing cases on behalf of individuals who developed salmonella-related illnesses after consuming Williams Farms Repack tomatoes. Even if you have not yet confirmed your exposure, our attorneys can investigate on your behalf.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

Individuals who suffer foodborne illnesses due to contaminated tomatoes may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses (emergency room visits, hospitalization, tests, medications)
  • Lost wages or income due to missed work
  • Pain and suffering tied to the physical and emotional impact of the illness
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, such as over-the-counter medications or transportation to doctor visits
  • Future healthcare needs, especially if complications arise
  • Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one to a salmonella infection

Our legal team will assess your unique situation, gather necessary records, and determine the full scope of your losses to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How We Help Clients Affected by Salmonella

At Parker Waichman LLP, we represent individuals and families across the country who have been injured by dangerous consumer products, including contaminated food. When you work with our firm, we handle every part of your case—from the initial investigation to collecting medical records to negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial.

We understand the stress that comes with unexpected illness, especially when it results from something as routine as eating a tomato. We treat every client with compassion and urgency, offering clear communication and experienced legal support throughout your case.

There is no fee unless we win. If we recover compensation for you, our fee comes out of the award—not out of your pocket.

Who Qualifies for a Tomato Salmonella Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a salmonella lawsuit if:

  • You consumed tomatoes between April 23 and April 28, 2025, in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina
  • You purchased tomatoes at a grocery store, farmers market, or restaurant that may have used Williams Farms Repack tomatoes
  • You experienced symptoms of salmonella infection within 3 days of eating the tomatoes
  • You sought medical care or missed work or school due to illness
  • You have a lab-confirmed diagnosis of salmonella
  • A loved one died or was hospitalized after consuming the recalled tomatoes

Even if you’re unsure whether the tomatoes you ate were affected, we encourage you to have your case reviewed. Our team will investigate the distribution and sales records to determine if your exposure may be linked to the recall.

Time Limits Apply – Don’t Wait to Take Action

Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a product liability or personal injury claim. In food poisoning cases, the clock typically starts ticking from the date of diagnosis or from when you knew or should have known the source of your illness.

If you wait too long, you may permanently lose your right to file a claim—even if you have a strong case. That’s why it’s important to act quickly if you believe you or your family may have been affected by the tomato salmonella recall.

We can help determine whether you qualify and begin the process of filing a claim, with no upfront cost to you.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one became sick after eating tomatoes purchased or consumed in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina between April 23 and April 28, 2025, you may have a case. Salmonella can lead to serious and lasting health complications. Parker Waichman LLP is a national civil litigation law firm fighting for victims of food contamination.

Call us now at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free, confidential consultation. You won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Let us help you seek justice and compensation for your illness and losses.

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