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Consumer Update |
Laboratory testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that both a sample of serrano peppers and a sample of irrigation water collected by agency investigators on a farm in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico (business address is in Nuevo Leon, Mexico) contain Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint as the strain of bacteria that is causing the current outbreak in the United States.
As a result, until further notice, FDA is advising consumers to avoid raw serrano peppers from Mexico, in addition to raw jalapeño peppers from Mexico, and any foods that contain them.
The test results are part of FDA's continuing intensive investigation into the outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. The investigation has involved tracing back, through complex distribution channels, the origins of products associated with clusters of illness in the United States, as well as inspections and evaluation of farms and facilities in this country and in Mexico, and the collection and testing of environmental and product samples. One of these tracebacks led to a packing facility in Mexico, and to a particular farm, where the agency obtained the samples.
Previously, FDA inspectors collected a positive sample of jalapeño peppers from a produce-distribution center owned by Agricola Zaragosa in McAllen, Texas. FDA continues to work on pinpointing where and how in the supply chain this first positive jalapeño peppers sample became contaminated. It originated from a different farm in Mexico than the positive sample of serrano pepper and irrigation water.
FDA is still analyzing many of the samples taken at various farms in Mexico. If laboratory results warrant, FDA will provide consumers with additional cautions or warnings necessary to protect their health.
On July 17, 2008, FDA announced it had determined that fresh tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not associated with the current outbreak. As a result, the agency removed its June 7 warning against eating certain types of red raw tomatoes.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.
FDA's Salmonella Saintpaul Web page
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html
FDA Statement
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01869.html
Date Posted: August 1, 2008
