WASHINGTON, Jun 4, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration is warning people in Texas and New Mexico not to eat uncooked red
tomatoes due to possible contamination.
The FDA said an outbreak of salmonellosis appears linked with consumption of
certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The
bacterium causing the illnesses is Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon
type of salmonella.
The federal agency said it hasn't determined the specific type and source of the
contaminated tomatoes, although preliminary data suggest raw red plum, red Roma
or round red tomatoes are involved.
"At this time, consumers in New Mexico and Texas should limit their tomato
consumption to tomatoes that have not been implicated in the outbreak," the FDA
said. "These include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the
vine still attached and tomatoes grown at home."
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.
The FDA said from April 23 though June 1 there were 57 reported cases of
salmonellosis in New Mexico and Texas, including 17 hospitalizations.
Approximately 30 reports of illness in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois,
Indiana, Kansas and Utah are being investigated to determine whether they are
also linked with tomatoes.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2008 by United Press International