http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596

Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide

Reported by: Stefanie Jay
Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST

Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are to
blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat.
The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that are
connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
<< Back



--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

Dimitri said...

> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red,
> are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be
> safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star
> state that are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> << Back


So much for this year's tomato harvest. Geez... what's next? Potatoes?

Is it related to something in the fertilizer? Is it only from one farm?

A genetically engineered mistake?

Andy

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
> Dimitri said...
>
>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>
>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>
>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>
>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
>> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red,
>> are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be
>> safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star
>> state that are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
>> << Back
>
>
> So much for this year's tomato harvest. Geez... what's next? Potatoes?
>
> Is it related to something in the fertilizer? Is it only from one farm?
>
> A genetically engineered mistake?
>
> Andy


I doubt very highly if this is a genetic problem as its related to
salmonella.

I asked my local store if their salad tomatoes were local - they said the
heirloom were but the salad ones were from Mexico - hint- hint.

I have no idea the cause. I called my local store and threw away 4 nice
ones. Well so much for the BLT'S planned for tonight. :-(


--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

On Jun 9, 11:55*am, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> I doubt very highly if this is a genetic problem as its related to
> salmonella.
>
> I asked my local store if their salad tomatoes were local - they said the
> heirloom were but the salad ones were from Mexico - hint- hint.
>
> I have no idea the cause. *I called my local store and threw away 4 *nice
> ones. *Well so much for the BLT'S planned for tonight. *:-(

I know two people who have gotten sick from salads in the last week or
two, and they both think it was the tomatoes. Their illnesses were
worse than food poisoning, by lasting several days of throwing up and
diarrhea, but not enough to go to the doctor. One got a salad at
Chili's in MountainView, the second was Carl's Jr. fast food burger.

Karen

"Karen" > wrote in message
...
On Jun 9, 11:55 am, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> I doubt very highly if this is a genetic problem as its related to
> salmonella.
>
> I asked my local store if their salad tomatoes were local - they said the
> heirloom were but the salad ones were from Mexico - hint- hint.
>
> I have no idea the cause. I called my local store and threw away 4 nice
> ones. Well so much for the BLT'S planned for tonight. :-(

I know two people who have gotten sick from salads in the last week or
two, and they both think it was the tomatoes. Their illnesses were
worse than food poisoning, by lasting several days of throwing up and
diarrhea, but not enough to go to the doctor. One got a salad at
Chili's in MountainView, the second was Carl's Jr. fast food burger.

Karen

The fast food and restaurant chains are pulling tomatoes (removing) from
their products. I understand grape and cherry tomatoes are OK.

OMG how can I have an IN-N-OUT or a Tommy's? Blasphemy!


BTW my local grocery store did not get the notice until Saturday Night

I don't understand the mechanism to systemically give tomatoes Salmonella.
Maybe someone can explain.


--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

Dimitri wrote:

> I don't understand the mechanism to systemically give tomatoes
> Salmonella. Maybe someone can explain.
>
>

Contaminated washwater is a common problem in agriculture.
It's even worse in overseas operations.

On Jun 9, 11:18*am, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are to
> blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat.
> The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that are
> connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> << Back
>
> --
> Old Scoundrel
>
> (AKA Dimitri)

I wonder if washing them well would help?

RegForte wrote:
> Dimitri wrote:
>
>> I don't understand the mechanism to systemically give tomatoes
>> Salmonella. Maybe someone can explain.
>>
>>
>
> Contaminated washwater is a common problem in agriculture.
> It's even worse in overseas operations.
One of the ways we avoided disease when we lived in areas where cholera,
etc were prevalent was through washing all fruit and vegetables
thoroughly in known clean water and then a fifteen minute soak in a pan
of water with about a quarter cup of liquid bleach in it. After a few
minutes out of the bleach solution the food no longer smells of bleach.

"merryb" > wrote in message
...
On Jun 9, 11:18 am, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are
> to
> blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat.
> The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that are
> connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> << Back
>
> --
> Old Scoundrel
>
> (AKA Dimitri)

>I wonder if washing them well would help?

IMHO - Nope the bacteria are within the flesh.
--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)
are inside the tomato.

On Jun 9, 2:52*pm, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> "merryb" > wrote in message
>
> ...
> On Jun 9, 11:18 am, "Dimitri" > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> > Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> > Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> > Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> > Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> > Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are
> > to
> > blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat.

"Dimitri" > wrote in message
...
> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are
> to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to
> eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that
> are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> << Back
>
>
>
> --
> Old Scoundrel
>
> (AKA Dimitri)



McDonald's, others pull tomatoes over salmonella
By CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer 57 minutes ago

McDonald's, Wal-Mart and other U.S. chains have halted sales of some raw
tomatoes as federal health officials work to trace the source of a
multistate salmonella food poisoning outbreak.

Burger King, Outback Steakhouse and Taco Bell were among other restaurants
voluntarily withdrawing tomatoes from their menus, following federal
recommendations that consumers avoid red plum, red Roma or round red
tomatoes unless they were grown in certain states and countries.

McDonald's Corp., the world's largest hamburger chain, has stopped serving
sliced tomatoes on its sandwiches as a precaution until the source of the
bacterial infection is known, according to a statement Monday from
spokeswoman Danya Proud. McDonald's will continue serving grape tomatoes in
its salads because no problems have been linked to that variety, she said.

The source of the tomatoes responsible for the illnesses in at least 16
states has not been pinpointed. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has said at least 23 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths
have been reported.

In downtown Chicago, travel agent Connie Semaitis, 49, bought a cheeseburger
and a drink at a McDonald's restaurant during lunch hour Monday. She said
she was happy the chain was being cautious.

"I'd rather be safe than sorry," Semaitis said.

The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers in New Mexico and Texas as
early as June 3 about the outbreak. The agency expanded its warning during
the weekend and chains began voluntarily removing many red plum, red Roma or
round red tomatoes from their shelves in response.

Tampa-based OSI Restaurant Partners LLC, which owns and operates eight
brands including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill, said it
stopped serving all raw tomatoes other than grape tomatoes on Saturday
evening. The company also instructed its restaurants to discard salsa and
other prepared foods containing raw tomatoes.

Miami-based Burger King Corp. said it had withdrawn raw round red tomatoes
from most of its U.S. restaurants. The company also removed the variety from
all its locations in Canada and Puerto Rico and from some restaurants on
other Caribbean islands.

Burger King said some California restaurants were allowed to continue using
the tomatoes because they buy from growers in states the FDA has said are
not involved in the outbreak.

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, which owns and operates six brands
including Red Lobster and Olive Garden, and Denver-based Chipotle Mexican
Grill Inc. also said they'd halted serving tomatoes, with Chipotle posting a
notice to customers on its Web site that its tomato salsa is temporarily
unavailable.

Taco Bell Corp. pulled tomatoes as well, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Messages seeking comment were left by The Associated Press for Louisville,
Ky.-based Yum Brands Inc., which owns Taco Bell.

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the largest grocery seller in
the United States, repeated a statement Monday that some tomatoes had been
removed from its shelves. Wal-Mart initially announced the action Thursday.

"According to the FDA, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes and tomatoes sold
with the vine still attached are not affected by this incident, and may
still be found on our shelves," Wal-Mart said. But the retailer, responding
to concerns of federal officials, had stores in New Mexico, Texas and "other
select stores with tomatoes from related sources" pull tomatoes listed in
the FDA alert. The company said it took from its shelves certain Romas,
slicers, three-pack and four-pack tomatoes.

Wal-Mart also programmed an electronic block into its cash registers so they
could not ring up any of the tomatoes that may have remained on the shelves.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., which operates 521 stores
in five southern states, also stopped selling tomatoes involved in the FDA
warning, as did Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets Inc. Publix
offered refunds to customers who bought the tomatoes before they were
removed from shelves or destroyed over the weekend.

In Pittsburgh, KDKA-TV reported that Giant Eagle supermarkets also removed
several kinds of tomatoes from their shelves, while the Times said chains
Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons did the same.

The FDA is investigating the source of the outbreak, agency spokeswoman
Kimberly Rawlings said.

"We are working hard and fast on this one and hope to have something as
quickly as possible," Rawlings said Monday.

Rawlings said the FDA's "traceback" investigations typically look at
similarities in illnesses reported to the CDC by state health officials.
Investigators work backward to find the source of the contaminated product.

Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached
and homegrown tomatoes are likely not the source of the outbreak, federal
officials said.

Also not associated with the outbreak are raw Roma, red plum and round red
tomatoes from Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala,
Israel, Netherlands and Puerto Rico.

Salmonella is a bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and
other animals. The bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating
foods contaminated with animal feces.

Most infected people suffer fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps starting 12
to 72 hours after infection. The illness tends to last four to seven days.

___

AP Business Writer Matthew Perrone in Washington and AP Writers Lisa Orkin
in Miami and Maria Danilova in Chicago contributed to this report.

___

On the Net:

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/

FDA: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01848.html


--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

On Jun 9, 2:46*pm, George Shirley > wrote:
> One of the ways we avoided disease when we lived in areas where cholera,
> etc were prevalent was through washing all fruit and vegetables
> thoroughly in known clean water and then a fifteen minute soak in a pan
> of water with about a quarter cup of liquid bleach in it. After a few
> minutes out of the bleach solution the food no longer smells of bleach.

gosh this seems like a procedure for third world countries, not the
good ol' USA.

Tomatoes with vines still attached are ok, btw.

Karen

Dimitri said...

> On the Net:
>
> CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/
>
> FDA: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01848.html


I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted tomatoes from
the farms to the markets and restaurants.

It's devastating the tomato industry!

Andy

Dimitri wrote:
> "Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
> m...
>> Dimitri wrote:
>>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>>
>>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>>
>>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>>
>>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape
>>> tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella
>>> cases in the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has
>>> grown to 56! << Back
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Old Scoundrel
>>>
>>> (AKA Dimitri)
>>
>> Before I knew of the warning, I purchased some Campari tomatoes from
>> Costco. I immediately noticed that the tomatoes were not from their
>> usual source in Arizona, but were from Canada. Campari tomatoes are
>> tomatoes on the vine, so I presume that Costco is being proactive in
>> this. Janet
>
> Presume nothing Call Costco.
>
Yes, I'll ask tomorrow.
Janet

On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:18:23 -0700, "Dimitri" >
wrote:

>http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
>Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
>Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
>Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
>Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are to
>blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat.
>The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that are
>connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
><< Back

Anyone know if Florida is affected by this? This is the first I've
heard of it - there were plenty of tomatoes in the grocery store on
the weekend.

Kajikit wrote:
> On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:18:23 -0700, "Dimitri" >
> wrote:
>
>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>
>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>
>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>
>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape
>> tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella
>> cases in the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has
>> grown to 56! << Back
>
> Anyone know if Florida is affected by this? This is the first I've
> heard of it - there were plenty of tomatoes in the grocery store on
> the weekend.

Yes, read all of the article that Dimitri posted several lines above. The
article says which states, which stores and restaurants.
Janet

Andy <q> wrote:

> I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted tomatoes from
> the farms to the markets and restaurants.
>
> It's devastating the tomato industry!

They'll be made into a cooked tomato sauce.

-sw

Dimitri wrote:
>

>
> I don't understand the mechanism to systemically give tomatoes
> Salmonella. Maybe someone can explain.
>
>


Since it seems to be fairly widespread, you can probably assume it's not
from poor worker sanitation. How about the tomatoes being watered with
water contaminated with animal/cattle feces? Or being processed in a
distribution facility with contaminated water?

Our news said that on-the-vine tomatoes are safe. We've been eating
those for a few weeks (because they've been on sale and taste the most
like real tomatoes) without ill effects. The ones we've had are packed
four to a clear clamshell package and labeled produced in Arizona.

gloria p

Sqwertz wrote:
>
> Andy <q> wrote:
>
> > I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted tomatoes from
> > the farms to the markets and restaurants.
> >
> > It's devastating the tomato industry!
>
> They'll be made into a cooked tomato sauce.
>
> -sw

Some will, but a huge number already in the distribution chain at
supermarkets and restaurants and their warehouses are simply going to
the landfill. Compost at best unfortunately.

"Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
m...
> Kajikit wrote:
>> On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:18:23 -0700, "Dimitri" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>>
>>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>>
>>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>>
>>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape
>>> tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella
>>> cases in the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has
>>> grown to 56! << Back
>>
>> Anyone know if Florida is affected by this? This is the first I've
>> heard of it - there were plenty of tomatoes in the grocery store on
>> the weekend.
>
> Yes, read all of the article that Dimitri posted several lines above. The
> article says which states, which stores and restaurants.
> Janet


I am very very sure the list is only the "Tip Of The Iceberg" I would still
call my local stores and/or chuck the tomatoes.

I did not see my local store listed but when I called they said they have
pulled all.


--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

In article >, aux3.DOH.4
@snet.net says...
>
> Sqwertz wrote:
> >
> > Andy <q> wrote:
> >
> > > I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted tomatoes from
> > > the farms to the markets and restaurants.
> > >
> > > It's devastating the tomato industry!
> >
> > They'll be made into a cooked tomato sauce.
> >
> > -sw
>
> Some will, but a huge number already in the distribution chain at
> supermarkets and restaurants and their warehouses are simply going to
> the landfill. Compost at best unfortunately.
>

Why not just irradiate them to kill off the pathogens?

Dimitri wrote:
> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red,
> are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be
> safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star
> state that are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> << Back
>
>
>
It's bee in our local way-the-heck-south Texas papers for over a week.
IIRC, the directives are to boil the raw tomatoes for 15 seconds before
using.

Luckily I have a neighbor who is also a good friend and supplies me with
both slicing and cherry tomatoes from his garden.

I picked up 4 gorgeous avodcaos in Mexico this afternoon and made
quacamole as a side dish for a rib-eye dinner.
--
Janet Wilder
Bad spelling. Bad punctuation
Good Friends. Good Life

"Dimitri" > wrote in message
...
> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are
> to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to
> eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that
> are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> << Back

Thanks for the heads up, Dimitri.

We're big tomato eaters here and eat them on a daily basis (of the fresh
and/or canned variety). Both my hubby and one of our 20-month-old twin
daughters came down with some sort of stomach flu (nausea/vomiting,
diarrhea) this past week (both cases lasting several days). I did
prepare/serve tomatoes (mostly roma) on several occasions during the past
week, but neither of our twins consumed them. My hubby, our 5-year-old
daughter, my visiting FIL, and I all ate the tomatoes, and only my hubby got
sick. It's a "go figure."

Mary

T said...

> In article >, aux3.DOH.4
> @snet.net says...
>>
>> Sqwertz wrote:
>> >
>> > Andy <q> wrote:
>> >
>> > > I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted
>> > > tomatoes from the farms to the markets and restaurants.
>> > >
>> > > It's devastating the tomato industry!
>> >
>> > They'll be made into a cooked tomato sauce.
>> >
>> > -sw
>>
>> Some will, but a huge number already in the distribution chain at
>> supermarkets and restaurants and their warehouses are simply going to
>> the landfill. Compost at best unfortunately.
>>
>
> Why not just irradiate them to kill off the pathogens?


Maybe going forward, but not on grand scale like this and then still be
able to redistribute fresh tomatoes. I don't know if there is a business
like that in existence. It would certainly burden all of farmers. And I'd
rather them clean up than be sloppy about growing and harvesting their
products using irradiation. I think a large part of the population is not
in favor of irradiated foods.

I've seen the produce stands and supermarkets mist veggies. Contamination
could happen at the consumer level, not at the farm level.

I know some cities or states are recycling waste water back into your
faucets. Maybe they didn't exactly get out all germs at a given treatment
plant. Then the hot houses mist their crop and who knows. Maybe your next
glass of lemonade...

The FDA/CDC better work quick.

Andy

Andy wrote:

> I know some cities or states are recycling waste water back into your
> faucets. Maybe they didn't exactly get out all germs at a given treatment
> plant. Then the hot houses mist their crop and who knows. Maybe your next
> glass of lemonade...
>
> The FDA/CDC better work quick.
>
> Andy

Do yourself a favor and learn about the water cycle.
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclehi.html

MareCat wrote on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:42:47 -0400:

> "Dimitri" > wrote in message
> ...
>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>
>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>
>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>
>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to
>> 16 states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry
>> and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of
>> confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that are
>> connected to tomatoes has grown to 56! << Back

> Thanks for the heads up, Dimitri.

> We're big tomato eaters here and eat them on a daily basis (of
> the fresh and/or canned variety). Both my hubby and one of our
> 20-month-old twin daughters came down with some sort of
> stomach flu (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea) this past week (both
> cases lasting several days). I did prepare/serve tomatoes
> (mostly roma) on several occasions during the past week, but
> neither of our twins consumed them. My hubby, our 5-year-old daughter,
> my visiting FIL, and I all ate the tomatoes, and
> only my hubby got sick. It's a "go figure."

I see from the Washington Post this morning that the DC
Metro area is affected by the salmonella on tomatoes scare. It grieved
my Scottish soul but I just dropped three fine plum tomatoes down the
garbage grinder. Vine tomatoes are said to be OK.

Now, on thinking about it, I bought *four* tomatoes and ate one in a
sandwich on Sunday so I am probably OK but better safe than sorry, I
suppose


--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

"Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
m...
> Dimitri wrote:
>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>
>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>
>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>
>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes
>> should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in
>> the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
>> << Back
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Old Scoundrel
>>
>> (AKA Dimitri)
>
> Before I knew of the warning, I purchased some Campari tomatoes from
> Costco. I immediately noticed that the tomatoes were not from their usual
> source in Arizona, but were from Canada. Campari tomatoes are tomatoes on
> the vine, so I presume that Costco is being proactive in this.
> Janet

More than likely, it is simply a result of changing seasons and which
business unit is in active production. The Campari brand is owned by
Mastronardi Produce LTD and they own/operate greenhouses in both Canada and
Arizona alternating production every 6 months to take advantage of local
climate to mitigate production costs. http://www.sunsetproduce.com/

KW

On Jun 9, 4:49*pm, "Michael \"Dog3\"" > wrote:
> Andy <q> :in rec.food.cooking
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Dimitri said...
>
> >>http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>
> >> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>
> >> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> >> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>
> >> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
> states!
> >> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red,
> >> are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be
> >> safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star
> >> state that are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
> >> << Back
>
> > So much for this year's tomato harvest. Geez... what's next? Potatoes?
>
> > Is it related to something in the fertilizer? Is it only from one farm?
>
> > A genetically engineered mistake?
>
> Gawd... no kidding. Spinach, tomatoes, lemons... Well whatever. Something
> is gonna get us when it's time to cash in the chips. *Might as well be a
> big, juicy tomato
>
> Michael
>
> --
> "I eat vegetarians for breakfast"
> * * * * * * * * * * * * ~unknown but seen on a bumper sticker
>
> To email - michael at lonergan dot us dot com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I would prefer it to be a big juicy prime rib !

On Jun 9, 8:02 pm, Andy <q> wrote:
> Dimitri said...
>
> > On the Net:
>
> > CDC:http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/
>
> > FDA:http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01848.html
>
> I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted tomatoes from
> the farms to the markets and restaurants.
>
> It's devastating the tomato industry!
>
> Andy

Most of those tomatoes could be used by industries that make cooked
tomato products, altho whether they will dare use something that has
this bad an odor about it is another question.

maxine in ri, with a half-dozen roma tomatos on the counter that will
no longer become salsa.

KW wrote:
> "Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
> m...
>> Dimitri wrote:
>>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>>
>>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>>
>>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>>
>>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape
>>> tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella
>>> cases in the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has
>>> grown to 56! << Back
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Old Scoundrel
>>>
>>> (AKA Dimitri)
>>
>> Before I knew of the warning, I purchased some Campari tomatoes from
>> Costco. I immediately noticed that the tomatoes were not from their
>> usual source in Arizona, but were from Canada. Campari tomatoes are
>> tomatoes on the vine, so I presume that Costco is being proactive in
>> this. Janet
>
> More than likely, it is simply a result of changing seasons and which
> business unit is in active production. The Campari brand is owned by
> Mastronardi Produce LTD and they own/operate greenhouses in both
> Canada and Arizona alternating production every 6 months to take
> advantage of local climate to mitigate production costs.
> http://www.sunsetproduce.com/
> KW

Yes, I know. However, in years past, there has been no change in
country/state of origin seasonally (according to labeling). That is why I
was speculating that since Costco had the relationship they changed to
Canada tomatoes to be on the safe side. Or, perhaps, since Arizona was on
the bad list, the producers suggested the change to avoid total loss of
revenue.
Janet

"Dimitri" > wrote

> I am very very sure the list is only the "Tip Of The Iceberg" I would
> still call my local stores and/or chuck the tomatoes.
>
> I did not see my local store listed but when I called they said they have
> pulled all.

I just bought two round tomatoes a couple days ago. Taking
no chances, I tossed them. Not in a salad. Heh. Maybe I'm
being overly cautious but really, I can live without tomato on my
sandwiches until they sort this out.

nancy

"Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
...
> KW wrote:
>> "Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
>> m...
>>> Dimitri wrote:
>>>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>>>
>>>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>>>
>>>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>>>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>>>
>>>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>>>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>>>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape
>>>> tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella
>>>> cases in the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has
>>>> grown to 56! << Back
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Old Scoundrel
>>>>
>>>> (AKA Dimitri)
>>>
>>> Before I knew of the warning, I purchased some Campari tomatoes from
>>> Costco. I immediately noticed that the tomatoes were not from their
>>> usual source in Arizona, but were from Canada. Campari tomatoes are
>>> tomatoes on the vine, so I presume that Costco is being proactive in
>>> this. Janet
>>
>> More than likely, it is simply a result of changing seasons and which
>> business unit is in active production. The Campari brand is owned by
>> Mastronardi Produce LTD and they own/operate greenhouses in both
>> Canada and Arizona alternating production every 6 months to take
>> advantage of local climate to mitigate production costs.
>> http://www.sunsetproduce.com/
>> KW
>
> Yes, I know. However, in years past, there has been no change in
> country/state of origin seasonally (according to labeling). That is why I
> was speculating that since Costco had the relationship they changed to
> Canada tomatoes to be on the safe side. Or, perhaps, since Arizona was on
> the bad list, the producers suggested the change to avoid total loss of
> revenue.
> Janet

That is strange on the labeling deal....because when I last visited their
corp offices on business, they were only producing/shipping product out of
one facility per season so one would think the labeling would follow along
with country of origin. Canada June-November and Arizona December-May.
Perhaps they have added local sourcing since then. Either way, they are a
great company and I trust they are doing the right thing for their
consumers.

On Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:57:25 -0400, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"Dimitri" > wrote
>
>> I am very very sure the list is only the "Tip Of The Iceberg" I would
>> still call my local stores and/or chuck the tomatoes.
>>
>> I did not see my local store listed but when I called they said they have
>> pulled all.
>
>I just bought two round tomatoes a couple days ago. Taking
>no chances, I tossed them. Not in a salad. Heh. Maybe I'm
>being overly cautious but really, I can live without tomato on my
>sandwiches until they sort this out.

We tossed a few out also. Last night Louise went to TJ's to get some
snack type crap to send to her dad for fathers day. That's about all
the 89 yr old wants. I'd told her I had no interest in cooking dinner
and we could just do sandwiches. While there she grabbed a bag of
pita's thinking of the gyros I've been making using -sw's recipe. So
with that in her head she stopped and bought gyros. When we started
eating she suddenly realized there was tomatoes in them. I told her
they were already cut and pulling them off wouldn't do much good as
they've bleed into everything else. She did anyway. I kept mine on.
Hopefully we'll be ok.

Lou

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
>

<snip>

> I've seen the produce stands and supermarkets mist veggies. Contamination
> could happen at the consumer level, not at the farm level.
>
> I know some cities or states are recycling waste water back into your
> faucets. Maybe they didn't exactly get out all germs at a given treatment
> plant. Then the hot houses mist their crop and who knows. Maybe your next
> glass of lemonade...
>
> The FDA/CDC better work quick.
>
> Andy

I believe the misting is done with tap water which is chlorinated as is your
drinking water unless you have your own well.


--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

"MareCat" > wrote in message
. ..
> "Dimitri" > wrote in message
> ...
>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>
>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>
>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>
>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16 states!
>> Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and round red, are
>> to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape tomatoes should be safe to
>> eat. The number of confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that
>> are connected to tomatoes has grown to 56!
>> << Back
>
> Thanks for the heads up, Dimitri.
>

My pleasure


--
Old Scoundrel

(AKA Dimitri)

"Lou Decruss" > wrote

> On Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:57:25 -0400, "Nancy Young" >
> wrote:

>>I just bought two round tomatoes a couple days ago. Taking
>>no chances, I tossed them. Not in a salad. Heh. Maybe I'm
>>being overly cautious but really, I can live without tomato on my
>>sandwiches until they sort this out.
>
> We tossed a few out also. Last night Louise went to TJ's to get some
> snack type crap to send to her dad for fathers day. That's about all
> the 89 yr old wants. I'd told her I had no interest in cooking dinner
> and we could just do sandwiches. While there she grabbed a bag of
> pita's thinking of the gyros I've been making using -sw's recipe. So
> with that in her head she stopped and bought gyros. When we started
> eating she suddenly realized there was tomatoes in them. I told her
> they were already cut and pulling them off wouldn't do much good as
> they've bleed into everything else. She did anyway. I kept mine on.
> Hopefully we'll be ok.

Me too. It's worth the risk to have gyros anyway!

nancy

Dimitri wrote:
>
> "Janet Bostwick" > wrote in message
> m...
>> Kajikit wrote:
>>> On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:18:23 -0700, "Dimitri" >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
>>>>
>>>> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
>>>>
>>>> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
>>>> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
>>>>
>>>> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to 16
>>>> states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
>>>> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry and grape
>>>> tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of confirmed salmonella
>>>> cases in the lone star state that are connected to tomatoes has
>>>> grown to 56! << Back
>>>
>>> Anyone know if Florida is affected by this? This is the first I've
>>> heard of it - there were plenty of tomatoes in the grocery store on
>>> the weekend.
>>
>> Yes, read all of the article that Dimitri posted several lines above.
>> The article says which states, which stores and restaurants.
>> Janet
>
>
> I am very very sure the list is only the "Tip Of The Iceberg" I would
> still call my local stores and/or chuck the tomatoes.
>
> I did not see my local store listed but when I called they said they
> have pulled all.
>
>
When I last looked, Massachusetts was not on the list. Nonetheless, my
innards have been unhappy since yesterday morning, and that was learly
associated with a certain meal OI ate that included three slices of
tomato. Probably just a coincidence, but it does have me wondering.

--
Jean B.

T wrote:
>
> In article >, aux3.DOH.4
> @snet.net says...
> >
> > Sqwertz wrote:
> > >
> > > Andy <q> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted tomatoes from
> > > > the farms to the markets and restaurants.
> > > >
> > > > It's devastating the tomato industry!
> > >
> > > They'll be made into a cooked tomato sauce.
> > >
> > > -sw
> >
> > Some will, but a huge number already in the distribution chain at
> > supermarkets and restaurants and their warehouses are simply going to
> > the landfill. Compost at best unfortunately.
> >
>
> Why not just irradiate them to kill off the pathogens?

Might be a good idea to irradiate pretty much all foodstuffs normally
eaten raw given the rates of contamination these days. As for the ones I
noted already in distribution, they would already have spoiled before
you could get them to an irradiation facility since they have a limited
shelf life.

Andy wrote:
>
> T said...
>
> > In article >, aux3.DOH.4
> > @snet.net says...
> >>
> >> Sqwertz wrote:
> >> >
> >> > Andy <q> wrote:
> >> >
> >> > > I'm having a hard time grasping the tonnage and cost of wasted
> >> > > tomatoes from the farms to the markets and restaurants.
> >> > >
> >> > > It's devastating the tomato industry!
> >> >
> >> > They'll be made into a cooked tomato sauce.
> >> >
> >> > -sw
> >>
> >> Some will, but a huge number already in the distribution chain at
> >> supermarkets and restaurants and their warehouses are simply going to
> >> the landfill. Compost at best unfortunately.
> >>
> >
> > Why not just irradiate them to kill off the pathogens?
>
> Maybe going forward, but not on grand scale like this and then still be
> able to redistribute fresh tomatoes. I don't know if there is a business
> like that in existence. It would certainly burden all of farmers. And I'd
> rather them clean up than be sloppy about growing and harvesting their
> products using irradiation.

> I think a large part of the population is not
> in favor of irradiated foods.

Simply an education issue since that large part of the population has no
idea what irradiated foods actually are.

James Silverton wrote:
>
> MareCat wrote on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:42:47 -0400:
>
> > "Dimitri" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5596
> >>
> >> Tomato Warnings Go Nationwide
> >>
> >> Reported by: Stefanie Jay
> >> Sunday, Jun 8, 2008 @11:38pm CST
> >>
> >> Tomato warnings go nationwide. Salmonella outbreaks spread to
> >> 16 states! Federal authorities say large tomatoes, including roma and
> >> round red, are to blame. Their studies show cherry
> >> and grape tomatoes should be safe to eat. The number of
> >> confirmed salmonella cases in the lone star state that are
> >> connected to tomatoes has grown to 56! << Back
>
> > Thanks for the heads up, Dimitri.
>
> > We're big tomato eaters here and eat them on a daily basis (of
> > the fresh and/or canned variety). Both my hubby and one of our
> > 20-month-old twin daughters came down with some sort of
> > stomach flu (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea) this past week (both
> > cases lasting several days). I did prepare/serve tomatoes
> > (mostly roma) on several occasions during the past week, but
> > neither of our twins consumed them. My hubby, our 5-year-old daughter,
> > my visiting FIL, and I all ate the tomatoes, and
> > only my hubby got sick. It's a "go figure."
>
> I see from the Washington Post this morning that the DC
> Metro area is affected by the salmonella on tomatoes scare. It grieved
> my Scottish soul but I just dropped three fine plum tomatoes down the
> garbage grinder. Vine tomatoes are said to be OK.
>
> Now, on thinking about it, I bought *four* tomatoes and ate one in a
> sandwich on Sunday so I am probably OK but better safe than sorry, I
> suppose

If you already ate one and lived to tell about it, they were probably
fine, but as an extra precaution you could have used them in a cooked
dish like a nice putanesca type pasta sauce.