In June 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 167 consumers in 17 states were infected with Salmonella Saintpaul, one week after dozens in nine states reported illnesses. As a result, restaurants and stores are not offering tomatoes that may be associated with the foodborne illness.

While no deaths have been reported in the salmonella tomato outbreak, 23 people have been hospitalized since mid-April 2008. The CDC is currently investigating the source of the outbreak. The following states have reported sick consumers:

• Arizona,
• California,
• Colorado,
• Connecticut,
• Idaho,
• Illinois,
• Indiana,
• Kansas,
• Michigan,
• New Mexico,
• Oklahoma,
• Oregon,
• Texas,
• Utah,
• Virginia,
• Washington, and
• Wisconsin.

Source: Mirandi Hitti, “Salmonella tomato warning expanded,” WebMD Health News, June 9, 2008.