On June 3, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers in New Mexico and Texas that specific types of raw red tomatoes may be linked to a salmonellosis outbreak. Preliminary data suggested raw red plum, red Roma or round red tomatoes are the cause of the foodborne illnesses from Salmonella.

The US agency received 57 reported cases of salmonellosis in New Mexico and Texas, including 17 hospitalizations, from April 23, 2008 through June 1, 2008. An additional 30 reports of foodborne illness from Salmonella in seven other states are being investigated to determine if they are also linked to tomatoes.

The FDA is advising consumers to limit their tomato consumption to cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home, in order to limit or prevent the risk of foodborne illness from Salmonella.

Source: “FDA Warns Consumers in New Mexico and Texas Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes,” US Food and Drug Administration Press Release, June 3, 2008.