Salmonella Investigation Expands To Cilantro, Other Products

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:00:49 +0000
Nidhi Sharma - AHN News Writer

Atlanta, GA (AHN) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expanding its Salmonella investigation to include cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers, in addition to tomatoes. The outbreak has so far sickened at least 943 people in 40 states and Washington, D.C.

The FDA is taking samples of all jalapenos and Serranos coming through the Mariposa Port of Entry and asking every vehicle to stop for inspection. The government interviewed dozens of victims with many reporting they ate fresh salsa before getting sick. The federal agency is also testing locally grown cilantro and peppers.

However, it could take several days before test results come back but the agency assures that the produce industry won't be affected by this part of the investigation.

Jalapeno peppers and Serrano peppers are hot peppers often used in salsa. The federal agency has not made any recommendations about consumption of cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers but the caution on certain tomatoes remains.

Symptoms of Salmonella appear 12 - 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Health officials say the only a doctor can determine is if anyone has contracted Salmonella.

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