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Mexican Food Under the FDA Scanner to Rule Out Salmonella

by Savitha C Muppala on Jul 7 2008 3:45 PM

The salmonella outbreak of the relatively rare Saint Paul strain has caused 943 people to be ill in the United States. It is feared that the numbers may actually be more than reported figures as many instances of the illness may often escape medical attention. The FDA has been at its wits end, trying to plug the source of the problem.

Tomato has found itself in a bad light, thought to be one major source of salmonella. To rule out other causes, The FDA has decided to scrutinize all food products entering America from Mexico. Till the time things are clear, the FDA has advised consumers about certain varieties of tomatoes which may be safe to eat. They are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached. The plum, roma and round tomatoes are good to avoid as they could have a hand in the salmonella outbreaks in United States.

Saintpaul Salmonella is usually not a life threatening disease, known to cause vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. The symptoms of salmonella completely vanish in few days, even without treatment, though it can take a turn for the worse in children and the elderly, who may have weak immune systems.

Source-Medindia
SAV/L


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