Missouri tomatoes safe

According to information provided by Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Katie Smith, Missouri was recently added to the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) "safe to eat" list on Thursday evening.

Smith said that local Missouri farmers have not been adversely affected by the recent outbreak of salmonella in raw red tomatoes that has caused some restaurants and grocery stores to pull tomatoes from their menus and shelves in recent days.

"Missouri consumers can continue to enjoy fresh tomatoes at local farmers' markets and fresh pick locations across the state," said Director Smith. "Some stores across Missouri are voluntarily removing tomatoes from certain sources and locations to be safe. Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes have come from should contact the retail location for the point of origin."

According to FDA, consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they plan to consume are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information.

The FDA also recommends if consumers are unable to determine the source of the tomatoes, they should not be eaten.

Restaurants, grocery stores and food service businesses have been advised by FDA not to offer the sale of service raw red plum, Roma or red tomatoes and products made from these types of tomatoes unless they are from one of the states listed on the FDA Web site as "not been associated with the outbreak."

To learn more about what we know about the salmonella outbreak in tomatoes or to view a complete list of states not associated with the outbreak visit www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes....