The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has elevated an ongoing tomato recall to its highest warning level over concerns of salmonella contamination.

On May 28, the FDA designated the recall as Class 1 — its highest warning level — meaning there is a risk of “serious adverse health consequences or death.” The latest recall is for three states: Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Williams Farms Repack LLC first announced on May 2 that it was voluntarily recalling the tomatoes, which were supplied by H&C Farms, after being notified that there was a risk they had been contaminated with salmonella. The potential source of contamination was not immediately known. The FDA says no illnesses or deaths have been reported as of the recall date.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella is a type of bacteria and one of the most common causes of fatal food borne illness in the United States.Symptoms of salmonella infection range from nonexistent in some people to diarrhea, fever, stomach pain or serious complications. Most people will recover without treatment, but high-risk groups, such as kids under 5 and the elderly, may experience more severe illness.

The Williams Farms Repack LLC recall affects nine package sizes of tomatoes sold to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina between April 23 and 28.

•  4×5 two layer, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 60 count two layer, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 3 count trays, Williams Farms Repack label, lot code R4467
• 5×6 25 pound, H&C Farms label, lot code R4467
• 6×6 25 pound, H&C Farms label, lot codes R4467, R4470
• Combo 25 pound, lot code R4467
• 4×4 2 layer, lot code R4467
• 60ct 18-pound loose, lot codes R4467, R4470
• XL 18-pound loose, lot code R4467

Editorial credit: Luis Yunis / Shutterstock.com