US Grown Jalapenos OK, But Avoid Those From Mexico, Says FDA

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Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Public Health
Article Date: 26 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The FDA is telling the American people that American grown Jalapenos and Serrano peppers are OK to consume, but Mexican harvested or packed ones should be avoided. The American grown ones are not linked to the current Salmonella Sainpaul outbreak.

The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) says it is working with state regulatory agencies and food industry bodies that represent grocery stores, restaurants and wholesalers to make sure that everybody clearly understands this new advisory.

As the agency's investigation continues the FDA will continue to refine its guidance, the agency says.

This new advisory comes after several weeks of intensive investigation carried out in partnership with the CDC and public health authorities in various US states - the aim being to track down the source of the contamination that led to the outbreak.

According to data collected, harvesting dates, matched with the dates that people became sick, the contamination source of the problem seems to be jalapeno peppers which originated in Mexico, the FDA informs.

Additional traceback and traceforward information collected over the last few days has led to the determination that the Agricola Zarigoza produce-distribution center in McAllen, Texas - from where FDA took the positive jalapeño pepper sample - was not the original source of the contamination.

Especially vulnerable people, such as the elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems should avoid eating raw Serrano pepper from Mexico, or food made from raw Serrano peppers from Mexico for the time being, informs the FDA.

www.fda.org

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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