FDA: one trackback on tomatoes complete to Mexico and Florida
FDA: one trackback on tomatoes complete to Mexico and Florida
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration indicated that one traceback in the foodborne illness outbreak linked to red round and Roma/plum tomatoes is complete to certain farms in both Mexico and Florida, but stressed that the contamination may not have occurred on the farm, according to a June 20 Issue Alert from the Produce Marketing Association.
FDA is sending investigators to Florida and Mexico to look at the entire distribution chain to determine where contamination might have occurred. FDA indicated it believes the tomatoes were contaminated at a single point.
FDA indicated that this will be a joint investigation with authorities in Florida and Mexico. The investigation is aimed at further narrowing the source of the outbreak. Officials continue to pursue additional tracebacks as well. A cluster of illnesses has been identified in Texas, and FDA said that cluster holds promise for another productive traceback, the Issue Alert said.
FDA noted that there is no evidence that the contamination was intentional. Officials did not give the names or locations of the farms, again stressing that they are looking at the entire distribution chain, not just farms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has updated the outbreak statistics: 552 people have been sick in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Illness onsets range from April 10 to June 10, and there have been 53 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported, though officials are still looking into one death in Texas. CDC officials said this is or is approaching the largest foodborne illness outbreak linked to tomatoes, according to the PMA Issue Alert.
FDA continues to assess new production areas that can be put on the list of areas not associated with the outbreak.
There has been no change in the FDA's advice to consumers.
FDA is sending investigators to Florida and Mexico to look at the entire distribution chain to determine where contamination might have occurred. FDA indicated it believes the tomatoes were contaminated at a single point.
FDA indicated that this will be a joint investigation with authorities in Florida and Mexico. The investigation is aimed at further narrowing the source of the outbreak. Officials continue to pursue additional tracebacks as well. A cluster of illnesses has been identified in Texas, and FDA said that cluster holds promise for another productive traceback, the Issue Alert said.
FDA noted that there is no evidence that the contamination was intentional. Officials did not give the names or locations of the farms, again stressing that they are looking at the entire distribution chain, not just farms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has updated the outbreak statistics: 552 people have been sick in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Illness onsets range from April 10 to June 10, and there have been 53 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported, though officials are still looking into one death in Texas. CDC officials said this is or is approaching the largest foodborne illness outbreak linked to tomatoes, according to the PMA Issue Alert.
FDA continues to assess new production areas that can be put on the list of areas not associated with the outbreak.
There has been no change in the FDA's advice to consumers.
