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June 10, 2008—The CDC announced that at least 167 people sickened since mid-April had salmonella with the same genetic fingerprint as is associated with the tomato outbreak. At least 23 of those people were hospitalized as a result of their symptoms.

The outbreak has claimed at least one life. Paul Rivera, a 67 year old cancer patient in Texas, passed away after eating contaminated tomatoes at a Mexican restaurant. A health department spokesman stated that salmonella was a contributing cause to his death.

June 2, 2008—At least 40 persons have been infected with Salmonella Saintpaul following consumption of uncooked tomatoes, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). An additional 30 cases of the infection may also be attributed to raw tomatoes.

The illnesses began in April 2008 and have been reported in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. No deaths have been reported, but at least 17 people have been hospitalized after falling ill.

The CDC has offered the following advice to consumers:

• In New Mexico and Texas, until the source of the implicated tomatoes is determined,
  • persons with increased risk of severe infection, including infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems, should not eat raw Roma or red round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home, and
  • persons who want to reduce their risk of Salmonella infection can avoid consuming raw Roma or red round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home.
• Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.
• Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes.
• Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood, and raw produce items.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

O'Steen & Harrison, PLC represents people injured as a result of food contaminated with salmonella. We invite you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation about your legal rights.

We will represent people throughout the United States. We can help you, too, wherever you live.

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