The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are both reporting that the latest outbreak of salmonellosis poisoning is NOT just related to tomatoes. In a July 9, 2008 FDA media briefing, Dr. Robert Tauxe, Deputy Director of the CDC's Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, said "this ongoing outbreak is now one of the largest outbreaks of salmonellosis ever in the U.S."

How Salmonella Infection Occurs

Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of some animals and birds. The bacteria can also infect the soil and water used to grow foods. Salmonella bacteria are contagious-and can spread very quickly from one surface to another.

You could become infected by consuming foods contaminated with animal feces-or by having contact with infected people, animals and reptiles.

And if you're infected-you can experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours after infection. These uncomfortable symptoms can last for a week or more!

Severe cases of Salmonella can spread from your intestines into your bloodstream-and can kill you!

FDA Salmonella Warnings

The FDA original warned consumers to avoid eating raw red plum, red Roma or red round tomatoes. The FDA is now declaring tomatoes safe to eat but is now focusing attention on jalapeño peppers in its efforts to find the sources of the outbreak that has affected more than 1200 people.

Outbreak is Widespread

The outbreak has quickly spread across the nation and has become the largest involving fresh produce in at least a decade. The outbreak has sickened 1,220 people in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. One person has died to date. 

Current FDA Warning

The CDC continues to warn that the elderly, infants and people with weak immune systems should avoid eating raw jalapeño and Serrano peppers.

If you are unsure about the origin of your produce already in your fridge contact the store to determine where they were grown. And if you still feel uneasy, you can always throw them out-or grow your own!  In fact, be sure to check for local, organic fruit and vegetable stands in your city or town. The FDA has said that no homegrown vegetables are at risk!