Staff report
The Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warning to consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak has been linked to consumption of red plum, red roma or round red tomatoes.
But other types are “not likely” to be the source of the outbreak, the FDA says. They include:
– Cherry tomatoes.
– Grape tomatoes.
– Tomatoes sold with the vine still attached.
– Tomatoes grown at home.
Also, the FDA recommends consuming raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw red round tomatoes only if they have been grown and harvested from the following areas. These areas, the FDA says, “have NOT been associated with the outbreak.”
Alabama
Arkansas
California
Georgia
Hawaii
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
New York
Nebraska
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
West Virginia
Belgium
Canada
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
Israel
Netherlands
Puerto Rico
Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information.
The FDA says consumers should also be aware that raw tomatoes are often used in the preparation of fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo, are part of fillings for tortillas, and are used in other dishes.