Tomato Scare
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A nation-wide outbreak of salmonella poisoning from certain tomato varieties is hurting growers and vendors alike--not to mention consumers. Wes Kline, agricultural agent for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, explains.
Comments [18]
I heard over the weekend (maybe on Weekend Edition?)
that the stemmed tomatoes were safe and the non-stemmed were not, since the salmonella can get inside the fruit through the area where the stem breaks off. I would definitely cook Roma and other large tomatoes.
Salmonella gets through the stem into the inside of the tomato. You can't wash it away. You have to cook it.
Brian--
Did you know that 35 Articles of Impeachment were presented against George W. Bush?
How is it that that does not make the news with you or ANYONE ELSE?
Surely it deserves a mention?
what about banning horse drawn carriages
http://www.all-creatures.org/bhdc/
Gaines
water/salmonella can go through the stem
I just heard the guest say that washing the outside of the tomatoes will take care of the problem. Yesterday I heard several experts say that the salmonella gets inside the tomato through the stem wound and cannot be washed away.
Gaines 4
how many should die before it's ok to overreact? 400? 4000?
your commentator mentioned washing and scrubbing, but another npr station yesterday told us that no amount of washing will help as the bacteria can get under the skin of the fruit, especially through treatment plants temperatures not being correct...hmmm....best to cook them to a pulp i reckon.
I'd throw away any of the possible tomatoes that has a cut or split in its skin because salmonella can get inside a tomato and grow there. But, other than split tomatoes, there is no reason to recall or throw away any of these tomatoes, just wash 'em.
I just wanted to clarify Gaines comment regarding washing; while it is an important step, it will not remove salmonella. It can only be killed by proper heating.
the industrial model is poisonous!
chlorine is banned in Germany!
It is important to note: any tomatoes may get infected with salmonella; it does not make them safer from salmonella if they are organically farmed. You just need to wash and/or cook your tomatoes.
170 people sick. Probably around 1 trillion tomatoes recalled. FDA cannot even pin-point one species of tomatoes infected.
= Improper recall.
Can your guest confirm for people that buying tomatoes at your local farmers market is safe?
I'll be patiently waiting for heirlooms.
I think once again Michale Pollan gets it right - we should be growing our own food - or living near traditional (not "conventional") farms we know and trust for quality. Industrial farming is not to be trusted for anything - except maybe organic industrial farming.
we should just eat local tomatos (when in season.) they're better anyway. :)
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.