After interviewing consumers from several states who were ill from a rare strain of salmonella and those who were not, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has surmised that the source of the outbreak was large raw tomatoes, including Roma, plum and large round varieties. As a result, several restaurant chains in California have suspendedserving any fresh tomatoes until the source of the tainted tomatoes has been found. These include Chipotle Mexican Grill adn Taco Bell. In addition, several major grocery store chains have pulled all large fresh tomatoes from their shelves.
The 143 cases cross 16 states and of those 143 cases, 23 required hospitalization. According to the CDC,
“Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.”
Apparently the warning against eating raw tomatoes includes only the large varieties as grape and cherry tomatoes or tomatoes with the vine still attached are not included.
