U.S. FDA lifts safety advisory on tomatoes
17.07.2008 20:02
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
 A U.S. investigation that initially focused on raw tomatoes is now examining jalapeno and serrano peppers.(Las Cruces Sun-News/Associated Press)The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday eased its warning on tomatoes, saying it's safe to eat tomatoes again as the salmonella outbreak slows. The number of cases of salmonella as of Wednesday totalled 1,196, including four cases in Canada. David Acheson, assistant commissioner for food protection, said investigators were continuing to search for the original point of contamination. Investigators initially focused on raw red tomatoes as the possible source but later widened the probe to include fresh serrano peppers, fresh cilantro and fresh jalapeno peppers. The FDA is continuing to caution elderly people, infants and those with compromised immune systems against eating raw jalapenos and serrano peppers. The FDA said early in the investigation that officials found a possible link between the salmonella strain and tomatoes. But they noted that tomatoes harvested in April and May are not likely still in production and destined for the marketplace. The investigation is now turning to a Mexican supplier that packages peppers from different farms, the FDA said. Four Canadians have been infected with the same strain of salmonella, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Three of the people became ill after returning home from a trip to the U.S. Salmonella bacteria normally live in the intestinal tracts of animals and birds, but can be transmitted to humans who eat food contaminated with animal feces. Salmonella causes intestinal problems in humans, resulting in diarrhea, fever and cramps. With files from the Associated PressStory Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksIN DEPTH: SalmonellaInvestigators continue hunt for salmonella source4 Canadians with salmonella infections linked to U.S. outbreakTomatoes spoil in fields and factories as salmonella probe continuesHealth HeadlinesUnderactive region in brain linked to OCDBritish researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that an area of the brain that regulates habitual behaviour is under-activated in people with obsessive compulsive disorder and their close family members.U.S. FDA lifts safety advisory on tomatoesThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday eased its warning on tomatoes, saying it's safe to eat tomatoes again as the salmonella outbreak slows.Surgical technique boosts recovery after kidney donation Researchers at the U.S. Cleveland Clinic have developed a bellybutton surgery which allows for shorter and less painful kidney donations.Teen smokers realize too late they're hooked: studyTeen smokers often try to quit and seriously believe they can, only realizing they're hooked when it's too late, according to a new study by Universit de Montreal researchers. Canada among top countries for surviving some cancers: studyCanada consistently ranks near the top in a worldwide estimate of five-year survival rates for cancer patients, according to an international study that found huge variations from country to country and even within some nations' borders. Health FeaturesBIRTH CONTROLThird World woesMillions need help, advocates sayIN DEPTHRed, red wineHealth pros and consHEALTHLife spanLongevity secrets from around the worldVIDEOYour heartCan depression lead to heart disease? (3:29)HEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosBreaking up's not that hard to doPeople who read this also read …
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