In the continuing search for the source of the Salmonella saintpaul outbreak that has made hundreds of consumers in the United States and Canada sick over the last few months, investigators now say they’ve identified the elusive bacteria in serrano peppers grown on a farm in Tamaulipas, the Mexican state that borders South Texas. Investigators also found traces of the bacteria in irrigation water collected from the same farm.
Since the serranos have been directly linked to the bacteria, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers against eating fresh serrano peppers until further notice. Jalapeno peppers remain on the FDA’s warning list since the specific strain of Salmonella that has caused the current outbreak of illness has been traced to a produce distribution center in McAllen, Texas.
At the outset of the outbreak, tomatoes were thought to be the source of contamination but all fresh tomatoes on the US market today are considered safe to eat, according to the FDA. The current concern is for serrano and jalapeno peppers from Mexico. Consumers are warned to beware of eating foods that contain either pepper in its raw form.
The FDA investigation in Mexico remains operational because the contaminated peppers came from different farms. As investigators continue the search for the point of origin for the contamination, the administration will provide consumer alerts and updates as the investigation reveals new information.
Source: CDC