Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks has announced that Alabama grown tomatoes are on the Food & Drug Administration's "safe to eat" list.Local farmers who grow tomatoes have not been adversely affected by the recent outbreak of salmonella in raw red tomatoes that has caused some grocery stores and restaurants to pull tomatoes from their shelves and menus.
Alabama's harvest season has just begun and an ample supply of Alabama grown tomatoes should arrive at markets this week.
"There is not a recall for tomatoes, but in Alabama, some stores are voluntarily removing tomatoes from certain sources to be safe," said Sparks. "Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have purchased or would like to purchase are encouraged to check the label of the tomato or contact the store for the point of origin."
Restaurants, grocery stores, and food service operators have been advised by the FDA not to offer for sale or service raw red plum, Roma, or red tomatoes and products made from these types of tomatoes unless they are from one of the states listed on the FDA website as a "safe to eat" from state.
For more information on the salmonella outbreak in raw red tomatoes, please visit, www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html
