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Uncertainty about the source of tomatoes linked to the illnesses prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Saturday to issue a nationwide food safety warning, urging people not to eat red round, red Roma and red plum tomatoes.
The uncertainty of the outbreak’s source and which varieties have been affected have left many local businesses confused about whether they should pull their tomatoes and for how long.
Bluff Country Co-op, for example, pulled its tomatoes late Tuesday afternoon as a precaution.
“We’re 99 percent sure ours is OK, but we’ll wait until we are 100-percent sure,” Bluff Country produce manager Erin Brandmeier said.
Brandmeier said that the Co-op should receive a shipment today of Wisconsin greenhouse-grown tomatoes, which aren’t affected by the recall.
Meanwhile, Midtown Foods has kept its tomatoes on shelves, said co-owner Tom Thompson. Winona’s Hy-Vee pulled its tomatoes this weekend but has kept some it received from Canada that were not part of the FDA recall. Winona’s Wal-Mart pulled its tomatoes and has temporarily suspended new shipments from its supplier.
The outbreak was first spotted in New Mexico and Texas, where investigators identified 57 tomato-related salmonella infections, apparently from a common source, between April 23 and June 1. In the past week, genetic testing has linked dozens of additional salmonella infections in other states to the same source.
At least 23 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Chain stores and restaurants were the first to pull their tomatoes. Local McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell and other fast food establishments are not offering tomatoes.
At this time of year, according to industry experts, most red round, red Roma and red plum tomatoes sold across the country come from Florida and Mexico. Since the FDA has been unable to narrow its investigation to a particular farm or packing operation, all three varieties from these areas are suspect.
The FDA has cleared several varieties and sources of tomatoes as safe to eat. Those sold with the vine attached, tomatoes grown in greenhouses, cherry and grape tomatoes, and homegrown tomatoes are not believed to be associated with the outbreak. In addition, all varieties of tomatoes grown in certain regions, including Minnesota, have been cleared.
Sammy’s Pizza has pulled all but its cherry tomatoes, and owner Nicholas Perrella said he wasn’t sure when he’d be able to offer his normal selection.
“I don’t have a clue, I just know our supplier won’t ship them,” Perrella said. “We’ll just wait and watch the government Web sites.”
The Acoustic Café’s current batch of tomatoes is OK, said manager Kathy Schoen, though it will not receive its next scheduled batch from supplier Winona Fruit Co.
The Blue Heron Coffee House will continue to serve tomatoes with its sandwiches. Owner Larry Wolner said he is confident theirs are not affected, because they are locally grown.
“The people who handle our food are closer to their food than large producers and have a lot of responsibility over what they give us,” Wolner said.
Symptoms of salmonella infection appear within 12 to 72 hours of eating tainted food, can last four to seven days, and may include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services contributed to this report.
