Restaurants 'hold the tomatoes' as salmonella spreads

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Salmonella linked to uncooked tomatoes

Federal health officials say salmonella food poisoning first linked to uncooked tomatoes has spread to 16 states. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 9, 2008 at 3:06 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 11, 2008 at 11:18 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — At least one person in Indiana got sick from eating a tomato. The state is one of nine reporting cases of salmonella.
The FDA says large red, uncooked tomatoes are the culprits.

No one has died, but 40 people have gotten sick and another 17 have been hospitalized in Texas and New Mexico.

Another 30 cases have been reported in other states, including Indiana.

On Monday, many local restaurants decided not to take any risks. They are now holding the tomatoes.

"We do occasionally have guests ask, 'What about tomatoes?' — and particularly with the salsa," said Jeff Leslie, vice president of sales for Hacienda.

Fortunately for the Mexican restaurant, its salsa is made from canned tomatoes.

"The salsa is still there on the table. What is missing is some of the garnishes," said Leslie. "Our biggest fear on any day is that someone got sick from our food."

No one has gotten sick locally and restaurants, like Hacienda, hope to keep it that way.

Even chain food restaurants, like Burger King and McDonald's, have posted signs saying tomatoes are not being served.

Even after reading the sign, some people say they'll still eat tomatoes.

"It is not going to stop me; if someone is serving them, I'm hoping they are ensuring that they are going to be safe," said Erin Ryal, a shopper who left Martin's with three.

The FDA says to avoid the larger tomatoes, like the round, plum, and Roma. You can eat tomatoes that are still on a vine or a smaller variety, like cherry tomatoes.

Some stores and restaurants are still selling and using them if they didn't come from Texas or New Mexico.

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