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US outbreak of salmonella spreads
Now more than 1,000 people in over 40 US states have become ill with salmonella since April.
Tomatoes still seem to be the main culprit, although peppers are taking a hit now.
The US health authorities suspect the bacteria to be present in some raw tomatoes, chilli peppers and the coriander used in salsa.
The outbreak is deemed to be the worst one of a food-borne illness in the US for more than a decade.
Two people are said to have died, and 200 people have been taken to hospital.
There have also been several cases in Canada.
Investigators say they think there are several sources for the outbreak as many of those ill say they did not eat hot peppers or foods like salsa that contain them, Dr Robert Tauxe, food safety chief at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"We are quite sure that neither tomatoes nor jalapenos explain the entire outbreak at this point... We're presuming that both of them have caused illness," he told the Associated Press.
"We really are working as hard and as fast as we can to sort out this complicated situation and protect the health of the American people."
High-risk population
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against eating raw plum, round or Roma red tomatoes unless they are from certain states or abroad.
Cherry and grape tomatoes and those sold with the vine still attached have not been associated with the outbreak.
Home-grown tomatoes are also safe to eat raw, US officials say.
Here is a look at previous NowPublic coverage.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (4)
at 12:11 on July 10th, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story - thanks for letting us know this is still an issue
at 13:52 on July 10th, 2008
Let's have some more fear-spreading and harming the farm economy. Try buying local, that'll solve the problems and get you healthier food.
at 16:18 on July 10th, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 01:30 on July 11th, 2008
OMG!!! I have relatives living there in the US, and my mother- in- law is in Adams, Mass....i have my aunt living in Canada, my cousin is in Ontario, my friend is in Winnipig City...So' it's getting worst? i'm worried... amyjudd' thank you for sharing....