Tomatoes, Jalapenos, and Cilantro Suspected in Salmonella Outbreak

I haven’t eaten a fresh tomato in weeks. Even though some types have been labeled safe to eat by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we decided it was safer to avoid eating tomatoes altogether for now. It’s sometimes hard for me to remember which tomatoes are safe and which are not.

In addition to tomatoes, it appears that jalapeno and serrano peppers, and cilantro are now suspect. This latest report made me wince, since I made Texas caviar (with a jalapeno) just for the July 4 weekend.

The FDA is still investigating the cases and the possible sources of the contamination. Meanwhile, here are guidelines from the FDA for keeping safe:

* Do not eat or handle raw red plum, raw red Roma, and raw red round tomatoes, and foods containing them, unless they are from regions that have been ruled out as the sources of the contamination.

* Raw cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached have not been linked to the outbreak in any region, and are deemed safe.

* Commercially processed red plum, red Roma, and red round tomatoes are safe. Avoid home-canned items if you do not know the original source of the tomatoes.

* Don’t buy or eat tomatoes that look damaged, spoiled or have broken skins.

* Do not store tomatoes where they will come in contact with raw meat, poultry, or eggs.

* Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling tomatoes.

* Before cutting or cooking, wash each tomato thoroughly under running water. Don’t wash tomatoes in a tub or sink filled with water.

* After washing, cut out the scar where the stem was, and throw it away.

* Use a clean cutting board and clean utensils to prepare raw tomatoes. Don’t let the tomato come in contact with other raw foods, including raw meat, poultry, and eggs, or the surfaces they have touched. Wash cutting boards and utensils in between each different type of food that is cut.

via FDA