Published: June 11, 2008 08:41 am      

Salmonella outbreak in tomatoes has some effect on foodstuffs in King City

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Due to the recent health advisory by the Food and Drug Administration regarding a salmonella outbreak linked to consumption of certain raw red plum, red Roma and red round tomatoes and products containing those red, raw tomatoes, local businesses are taking precautionary measures.

According to Kroger assistant manager Becky Logan, Kroger has voluntarily removed the tomatoes in question from their produce section. “As a precautionary measure for the safety of our customers, [Kroger] has removed raw Roma, raw red round and raw plum tomato varieties and products that contain these types of raw red tomatoes from sale temporarily due to concerns about potential salmonella infection,” Logan stated.

She added the removal of the tomatoes and the FDA health advisory do not include on-the-vine tomatoes or cherry and grape tomatoes and tomatoes grown at home. “We are working with governmental and consumer safety agencies on this issue and will continue to follow their guidance,” she said.

On the west side of town, Burger King, 4601 Broadway, has also pulled tomatoes from their menu. And rather than being angry, reported manager Chris Frederick, customers have been more inquisitive and making inquiries as to the decision, as they were not aware of the FDA warning.

Some businesses, however, have not been affected by the recall. Alan Smith, manager of Borowiak’s IGA, said Tuesday, “We don’t buy tomatoes on the [FDA] list. Our sales are doing fine.”

Since mid-April, there have been 145 reported cases of salmonellosis caused by salmonella Saintpaul nationwide, the FDA reports, including at least 23 hospitalizations. States reporting illnesses linked to the outbreak include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Salmonella Saintpaul is an uncommon type of salmonella.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, information states. Healthy persons often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses.

Consumers who have recently eaten raw tomatoes or foods containing raw tomatoes and who are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider. Information states all salmonella infections should be reported to state or local health authorities.

The FDA encourages consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their homes to contact the store or place of purchase for that information.

Consumers are also cautioned 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.

Restaurants, grocery stores and food service operators have been advised by the FDA not to offer for sale or service raw red plum, Roma or red round tomatoes and products made from these types of tomatoes unless they are from one of the areas listed above.

In addition to Kroger and Burger King, the Associated Press reported Tuesday that McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, Outback Steakhouse, Winn-Dixie and Taco Bell were also among the companies that voluntarily withdrew red plum, red Roma or red round tomatoes unless they were grown in certain states and countries.

Information on safe handling of produce can be found at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/prodsafe.html. A tomato consumer page can be found at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html. Updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at www.cdc.gov/.