The United States is already struggling with immense pressure on its health sector, with the rise in COVID-19 cases and ongoing measles outbreak. In another news, now Salmonella-tainted tomatoes in three southern states have caused severe illness and even death, warned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has also updated the ongoing recall of tomatoes which have been distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to Class I, which is the highest warning level, also reported in the New York Times. What Does Class I Recall Mean?Class I recall means that there is a reasonable change that using the product could lead to "serious adverse health consequences or death". As per FDA, recalls are classified into three numerical designation, I, II, and III. Class II recall is for a situation in which the use of or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequence is remote. Class III is for a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. Where Were These Tomatoes Distributed?These tomatoes were distributed under the H&C Farms which were labelled between April 23 and 29. They were also sold in packages which had ranged from small three-pack to 25-pound boxes. This was also reported in early May, however, at that time, there were no illness which had been recorded. Though now, the FDA says the risk is much more severe. Shoppers are unlikely to find fresh tomatoes from the recalled batch still on shelves, according to the FDA.However, The New York Times reports that salmonella can survive for weeks in dry conditions and even longer in wet or frozen environments—meaning contaminated tomatoes might still pose a risk if stored.The exact source of the contamination remains unclear. Williams Farms Repack, the South Carolina distributor, and H&C Farms have both declined to comment.Salmonella affects over a million people in the U.S. annually and causes more than 400 deaths, says the USDA. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, and intense stomach pain, lasting several days.Children under 5, seniors over 65, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk—but the FDA warns that even healthy individuals should avoid the recalled tomatoes.What Is Salmonella?As per the FDA, Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animal to people.FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.Pets too could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.What Are The Symptoms Like?FDA notes that most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours of the infection, which lasts for about four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.Most people experience these following symptoms:DiarrheaFeverAbdominal CrampsIn severe cases of salmonella, you may experience:High feverAchesHeadachesLethargyA rashBlood in urine and stoolAs per the CDC, each year, around 450 people die in the United States due to acute salmonellosis.