FDA's salmonella probe
expands beyond tomatoes
Jul 8, 2008 8:39 AM
To locate the source of a salmonella outbreak, the United States Food and Drug Administration is beginning to test food other than tomatoes, including imported products.
As of July 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 943 cases of salmonella food poisoning.
Tomatoes remain the "lead suspect," but cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers have become potential culprits, says FDA spokesman Mike Herndon.
The outbreak has not spurred any trade bans by the U.S. government, Herndon said, terming as "erroneous" reports of a ban on certain foods from Mexico.
Joining the list of states reporting salmonella cases recently were Alabama, Iowa, Louisiana, and South Carolina, for a total of 40 states along with the District of Columbia.
Texas has led in the number of cases documented, with 356 people becoming sick from the bacteria. Since April 10, when the first salmonella cases were reported, 130 people have been hospitalized because of salmonella.
