WASHINGTON (AP) - Government inspectors have found the same
salmonella strain responsible for a nationwide food-poisoning
outbreak in a Mexican-grown jalapeno in a Texas plant, prompting a
new warning for consumers to avoid eating fresh jalapenos.
The Food and Drug Administration called Monday's announcement a
"very important break in the case."
But it doesn't mean Mexican jalapenos are the culprit - the
pepper may not have been contaminated on the farm. And while
tomatoes currently are safe to eat, health officials also said the
finding doesn't exonerate tomatoes that were sold earlier in the
spring and summer.