Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak

Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak
Update: July 21, 2008

FDA and CDC held a media briefing today based on new information from the investigation. You can listen to the media briefing by dialing 866-351-5758. Both the FDA and CDC Web sites have been updated with this new information.

FDA: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/

FDA Update:

An FDA laboratory detected the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul in a sample of jalapeño pepper obtained from a small distribution center in McAllen, Texas. The produce distribution center, Agricola Zaragoza, is working with FDA to voluntarily recall jalapeno peppers that the company distributed since June 30, 2008.
Since a recall will not immediately remove all potentially contaminated jalapeno peppers from the food supply, FDA is also asking consumers to avoid eating raw jalapeno peppers or foods made from raw jalapeno peppers from any source until further notice in order to prevent additional cases of illness.
Ø FDA has provided the following advice for retailers:
At this time, food service providers, restaurateurs, and retailers should not sell or serve raw jalapeño peppers, should avoid handling them, and should discard them. Attempts to wash Salmonella contamination that may be present on these peppers is not likely to eliminate the organism, because of Salmonella's physical properties, and is likely to result in cross-contamination. Attempts to peel the peppers are not recommended, as this is likely to introduce any contamination on the exterior of the product into the interior, making elimination of the organism even more unlikely. Attempts to kill Salmonella by cooking may result in cross-contamination and likewise is not recommended.

The peppers were grown in Mexico but FDA has stated that it does not know where in the distribution chain the contamination may have occurred and so they are advising consumers not to eat any raw jalapenos from any source.

For Serrano peppers, FDA is continuing to advise that people in high risk populations, such as elderly persons, infants and people with impaired immune systems, avoid eating raw Serrano peppers or food made from raw Serrano peppers until further notice.

For tomatoes, FDA is advising consumers that all tomatoes are safe to eat.