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For Immediate Release: 5/23/08

State Health Department Issues Cautions About Tomatoes

In the wake of a nationwide salmonella outbreak believed to be tied to eating certain types of raw red tomatoes, officials with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say two cases in Missouri match the outbreak pattern: both cases are from Eastern Missouri. In addition, the State Public Health Lab says there have been six more cases of salmonella that fall into the same timeframe but are currently not counted as part of the outbreak by the CDC. This has prompted the state Department of Health and Senior Services to advise Missourians to be careful which tomatoes they eat, and limit their tomato consumption to those that are not the likely source of this outbreak.

Generally, the tomatoes in question are raw red plum, Roma or round red tomatoes that have come from unapproved areas. Those that are all right to eat include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, those sold with the vine still attached and homegrown tomatoes. A complete list of approved tomatoes and the areas from which they come is available on the federal Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) web site: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html.

"Currently, we are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA and a number of other states to try and determine the source," says Harvey Marx, chief of the health department's Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention. "In the meantime, limit your consumption of raw tomatoes to those from the FDA's approved list."

Marx also wants consumers to be aware that raw tomatoes are often used in fresh salsa, guacamole and pico de gallo (a condiment made from fresh vegetables); are part of fillings for tortillas; and are used in many other dishes.

Officials warn the salmonella organism could actually be inside the tomatoes themselves, and no amount of washing will clean that away.

Health officials say that salmonella infections are marked by diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that can start anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after exposure. The symptoms can last for four to seven days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections might occur. Infants, elderly persons and those with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites, and can cause death. In these severe cases, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

In addition to the cautions for this salmonella outbreak, people are generally advised to:

• Refrigerate tomatoes within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled or cooked tomatoes.
• Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.
• Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
• Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood and raw produce items.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

Associated audio with this story is available through the Missouri DHSS web site, under the news link: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NewsAndPublicNotices/Tomatoes_6-12-08.html.

For more information contact your local public health department.

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