Cherry Tomatoes Recalled for Possible Salmonella

Rio Queen Citrus is recalling 840 cartons of Dry Pints of Mexican cherry tomatoes in “Karol” brand boxes due to possible Salmonella contamination.  According to Rio Queen, the tomatoes were distributed through retail stores in Texas and South Carolina. According to local news station WOWT, however, the tomatoes were also distributed to Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.  The product was originally distributed in a bulk container of 12/1 Dry Pints in boxes labeled “Karol” with the Lot No. “01W45” stamped in the upper, right-hand corner on the face of the box. The box states “Distributed by Interstate Fruit & Vegetable”, which is an affiliated business of Rio Queen Citrus, Inc.  The tomatoes were distributed to stores between November 10 and November 19 and may have been repackaged by individual retailers.  No illnesses have yet been connected to this recall. The contamination was discovered through routine testing by the U.S. Food and Dug Administration.  Consumers who have purchased Mexican cherry tomatoes in the listed states are asked to contact their retail store or place of purchase to determine if they were among the facilities to receive this product.