The Recall Desk
CriticalFDA (Food)·F-1517-2013·Announced 2013-06-19

Rio Queen Citrus Recalls Karol Brand Mexican Cherry Tomatoes for Salmonella Risk

Rio Queen Citrus, Inc. is recalling 840 cartons of Karol brand Mexican cherry tomatoes due to potential Salmonella contamination.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that Salmonella can cause 'serious and sometimes fatal infections,' and the agency classification is Class I, which meets the criteria for a Critical severity score.

Plain-English summary

Rio Queen Citrus, Inc. of Mission, Texas, is recalling 840 cartons of 12/1 Dry Pints of Mexican cherry tomatoes. The product is distributed in bulk containers labeled "Karol" with Lot No. "01W45" stamped on the box. The boxes state "Distributed by Interstate Fruit & Vegetable," an affiliated business of Rio Queen Citrus, Inc.

The recall is issued because the tomatoes have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

The affected packages were distributed at the retail level between November 10th and November 19th, 2012. Distribution occurred in Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, and Canada. At the retail level, the tomatoes may have been packaged in alternative containers depending on the area and retailer. Consumers should check for the specific lot number and brand to identify affected products.

The recalled product

Product
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 busi

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (1)

  • Lot No. "01W45"

Distribution

Distributed in 3 states: