Salmonella Outbreak linked to Raw Tomatoes

Update on the tomato related Salmonella outbreak which now includes Wisconsin and Virginia.

• Alert now includes Wisconsin and Virginia. These reported cases are the same Salmonella Saintpaul strain, but no product has been linked to these outbreaks.
• Late April, 57 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul, with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in Texas and New Mexico. These were identified because clinical laboratories in all states send Salmonella strains from ill persons to their State public health laboratory for characterization.
• Since mid-April 29 residents with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Saintpaul have been reported in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. NOTE: Investigations are underway to determine if consumption of raw tomatoes is also associated with illness in these states.
• There are no reported deaths.
• The specific type and source of tomatoes are still under investigation.
• Preliminary data suggest that raw red plum, red Roma, or round red tomatoes are the cause of the outbreak. 
• Tomato types not linked to illness include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home.
• FDA continues to work with the states, the CDC, the Indian Health Service, and various food industry trade associations to quickly determine the source and type of the contaminated tomatoes. 

As more information becomes available, we will keep you updated.

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