Tomatoes have been given the green light by the US Food and Drug Administration for human consumption. In an update on July 17, 2008, the federal agency removed its June 7 warning about eating certain typed of red raw tomatoes.
Despite an outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul in the US and Canada, the FDA has noted that the epidemic seems to be weakening and, as the tomatoes were not confirmed beyond question that they were the cause, the FDA says they are safe. Even so, about 20 or 30 reports of the illness are coming in each day and the source, as yet, is unknown.
The FDA felt confident in its all-clear because it has determined the the tomatoes which are currently in fields and stores are safe. Salmonella has been found in almost 1200 people in the US and Canada since April, with 224 requiring hospitalization. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever, with most people making complete recovery within a week, without medication, by staying hydrated.
Working with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health departments, the FDA is continuing, however, to follow epidemiological and other evidence showing that raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers now available in the domestic market may be linked to illnesses in this outbreak. People in high risk populations, such as elderly persons, infants and people with impaired immune systems, should avoid eating raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers.
Among the 1183 persons who experienced salmonella symptoms, illnesses began between April 10 and July 4 this year, including 641 who became ill on June 1 or later. These numbers include those with estimated onset dates as well as those with reported onset dates. Patients ranged in age from up to 99 years and half were female. The rate of illness is highest among persons 20 to 29 years old but lowest in children 5 to 19 years old and in persons 80 or more years old. At least 228 persons were hospitalized. A Texas man in his eighties who died from cardiopulmonary failure had an infection with the outbreak strain at the time of his death and medical professionals believe the infection may have contributed to his death. Another Texan in his sixties who died from cancer had an infection with the outbreak strain of at the time of his death and the infection may also have contributed to his death.
The public is encouraged to keep informed about the outbreak and infants and the elderly should be especially vigilant. It may be wise to refrain from eating any questionable products until the all-clear is given.
