BEWARE the Tomato

This is the primary source for reporting all the cases of Salmonella saintpaul infections beginning in April of 2008. There are maps, earlier reports and tips for consumers.

clipped from www.cdc.gov Investigation of Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Saintpaul Click Here for Advice to Consumers CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Saintpaul infections. An epidemiologic investigation conducted by the New Mexico and Texas Departments of Health and the Indian Health Service using interviews comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons has identified consumption of raw tomatoes as the likely source of the illnesses in those states. The specific type and source of tomatoes is under investigation; however, the data suggest that large tomatoes, including Roma and round red, are the source. Since mid-April, 167 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in 17 states: it is likely many more illnesses have occurred than those reported not on today’s map