FDA gets first lead by finding Salmonella-tainted jalapeno at Texas distributor
FDA gets first lead by finding Salmonella-tainted jalapeno at Texas distributor
WASHINGTON -- Described as a breakthrough by FDA officials at the Food & Drug Administration, the agency has found a Mexican-picked jalapeno pepper at a Texas distributor that matches the Salmonella Saintpaul serotype that has caused more than 1,200 people to become ill.
Now FDA officials are working feverishly with Agricola Zaragosa, a small distributor in McAllen, TX, to issue a recall notice to its buyers. "We presented the information to the firm, and a recall is underway," David Acheson, FDA's associate commissioner for food, said in a July 21 call with reporters.
Though the Salmonella Saintpaul-contaminated pepper originated in Mexico, it does not mean that is where it got contaminated, said Dr. Acheson. Investigators don't know if the contamination occurred at another distribution point or on the farm.
"It doesn't yet give us the whole story but allows us to focus on the product chain and hopefully pinpoint a cause," said Dr. Acheson.
In the wake of the positive sample, FDA is warning all consumers to avoid eating fresh jalapenos and for at-risk consumers to continue avoiding fresh serrano peppers at this time.
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), who has been critical of FDA's handling of the outbreak, called on FDA to require a national traceback system to protect the industry and consumers against another drawn-out outbreak investigation.
"While the number of cases grew to over 1,200 sick people and consumers began questioning the safety of our food supply, it is only now that the FDA has been able to identify the source of contamination," said Sen. Harkin. "This is far too long for an outbreak to spread unresolved, and it is unacceptable for public health, farmers and the food and produce industry."
He added, "It is time for a national traceback system and better FDA techniques, which could have identified the Salmonella culprit sooner."
Now FDA officials are working feverishly with Agricola Zaragosa, a small distributor in McAllen, TX, to issue a recall notice to its buyers. "We presented the information to the firm, and a recall is underway," David Acheson, FDA's associate commissioner for food, said in a July 21 call with reporters.
Though the Salmonella Saintpaul-contaminated pepper originated in Mexico, it does not mean that is where it got contaminated, said Dr. Acheson. Investigators don't know if the contamination occurred at another distribution point or on the farm.
"It doesn't yet give us the whole story but allows us to focus on the product chain and hopefully pinpoint a cause," said Dr. Acheson.
In the wake of the positive sample, FDA is warning all consumers to avoid eating fresh jalapenos and for at-risk consumers to continue avoiding fresh serrano peppers at this time.
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), who has been critical of FDA's handling of the outbreak, called on FDA to require a national traceback system to protect the industry and consumers against another drawn-out outbreak investigation.
"While the number of cases grew to over 1,200 sick people and consumers began questioning the safety of our food supply, it is only now that the FDA has been able to identify the source of contamination," said Sen. Harkin. "This is far too long for an outbreak to spread unresolved, and it is unacceptable for public health, farmers and the food and produce industry."
He added, "It is time for a national traceback system and better FDA techniques, which could have identified the Salmonella culprit sooner."
