The FDA expanded its warning to consumers about the salmonella

CAUTIONS

What you should know

The FDA expanded its warning to consumers about the salmonella outbreak. Here are some tips:

Raw red plum, raw red Roma or raw round red tomatoes and products containing these tomatoes may be the source of the salmonella outbreak.

If consumers choose to eat these varieties, it recommends they eat them from the following areas: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Netherlands and Puerto Rico.

Limit consumption of tomatoes to varieties that are least likely to be the cause of the salmonella outbreak. These include tomatoes attached to a vine, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes and tomatoes grown at home.

Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.

Refrigerate tomatoes within two hours after preparing or discard cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes.

Separate tomatoes that will be eaten raw from raw meats, raw seafood and raw produce items.

Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counters with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

Thoroughly wash tomatoes under running water.

Young children, frail or elderly people or those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for serious and sometimes fatal infections from salmonella.

Symptoms to watch out for include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Consumers should contact their health-care provider if they have recently eaten raw tomatoes or foods contaminated by raw tomatoes and are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Source: FDA