Salmonella Food Poisoning - Outbreak Of Salmonella Linked To Tomatoes
Tomatoes Salmonella
Today, tomatoes are now eaten freely throughout the world, and their consumption is believed to benefit the heart among other things. Lycopene, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, is present in tomatoes, and, especially when tomatoes are cooked, has been found beneficial in preventing prostate cancer. However, other research contradicts this claim. Tomato extract branded as Lycomato is now also being promoted for treatment of high blood pressure.
Tomatoes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20 people have been hospitalized as the government investigates the source of the tomatoes responsible for the salmonella illnesses.
Young children, pregnant women and other people with weakened immune systems are affected most by the salmonella poisoning. Symptoms of the illness are similar to those of flu. Salmonella is transmitted to humans when fecal material from animals or humans contaminates food.
To prevent illness, meat, poultry and eggs should be well cooked. Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed.
The Food and Drug Administration is advising people that if they must eat tomatoes then they should only eat tomatoes not associated with the outbreak such as cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and tomatoes grown at home.
In 2006 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that tomatoes might be the source of a salmonella outbreak causing 172 illnesses in 18 states. The affected states included Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin. Tomatoes have been linked to seven salmonella outbreaks since 1990.
Salmonella Linked to Tomatoes
Salmonella food poisoning - Symptoms
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Loss of appetite