|
|
|
Salmonella outbreak in fresh tomatoes causes concern for consumersOklahoma Many Oklahomans are rethinking the option of putting a fresh slice of tomato on a sandwich, or chopping up a tomato in a salad. Restaurants and supermarkets, including Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods, McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell and others, have pulled fresh tomatoes from the produce section and their menus. The Center for Disease Control has reported an outbreak of Salmonella that is associated with certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes, said Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service food specialist. "While the specific type and source of the tomatoes are under continuing investigation, preliminary data from the CDC indicates that raw red plum, raw red Roma or raw round red tomatoes are the cause of the outbreak," Brown said. "Currently, consumers should limit their raw tomato consumption to tomatoes that haven't been implicated in the outbreak, including cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and tomatoes grown in your own garden." Tomatoes from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Israel, the Netherlands and Puerto Rico have not been implicated. Ask the grocer where the tomatoes are from. If the source is unknown, do not buy the tomatoes. Since mid April, there have been 145 reported cases of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Saintpaul nationwide, including some in Oklahoma. At least 23 of those were hospitalized, and there is one possible death reported in Texas. Brown said to keep in mind that there are a number of products made with fresh, raw tomatoes, including fresh salsa, guacamole and pico de gallo. Washing tomatoes may help reduce the number of bacteria on the tomatoes but it will not necessarily remove all of it since it can sometimes get inside the fruit. Clinical signs of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days. "While most people recover without treatment, sever infections may occur," Brown said. "Infants, elderly persons and those with compromised immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. In extreme cases, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites. Salmonella also may cause death." 6/23/08 Date: 6/19/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
