FDA Warns Not to Consume Raw Red Tomatoes

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that a salmonellosis outbreak is being traced back to the consumption of certain types of raw red Roma, red plum and red round tomatoes, including prepared products using these tomatoes.

The FDA advises consumers not to consume any raw red plum, red Roma, raw red round tomatoes or products that contain these types of tomatoes unless they are from one of the sources listed here. If unsure where the tomatoes are grown, consumers are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for information. If the source is still undetermined, the tomatoes should be tossed and not eaten.

Since April, there have been 145 reported cases of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Saintpaul (an uncommon type of Salmonella), nationwide, which includes 23 hospitalizations. States reporting illness include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

On June 5, using traceback and other distribution pattern information, FDA published a list of states, territories, and countries where tomatoes are grown and harvested which have not been associated with this outbreak. This updated list includes: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

All Salmonella infections should be reported to local or state health authorities immediately. Salmonella can cause serious and often times fatal infections, especially in young or elderly people with compromised immune systems.