ATLANTA -- The Florida Department of Agriculture is disputing a report that said Florida could be the source of a nationwide outbreak of salmonella in tomatoes.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the Food and Drug Administration had evidence that suggests the tainted tomatoes came from the Sunshine State, where farmers were harvesting when the earliest known victim became sick in April.
The announcement came a little over a week after the FDA previously announced Florida tomatoes were safe to eat. See previous story.
Officials with the state Department of Agriculture said they do not believe the tainted tomatoes came from Florida, because of the protocol farmers must follow.
FDA investigators said they may never know which farm or packing house the tomatoes came from, because so many factors are involved.
Investigators are contradicting earlier reports the tomatoes came from Mexico.
Since April, 385 people in 30 states and Washington, D.C. -- including one Florida man who ate the tomatoes while in New York -- have been infected by salmonella.
Shipments of tomatoes harvested in the following Florida counties are acceptable with a certificate issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- DeSoto
- Gadsden
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hernando
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Leon
- Madison
- Manatee
- Pasco
- Polk
- Sarasota
- Sumter
- Suwannee
For moreinformation, visit the FDA Web site.
Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information.
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