FDA Still Seeking Salmonella Origin in Tomatoes

PlusFDA Still Seeking Salmonella Origin in TomatoesFDA Still Seeking Salmonella Origin in TomatoesThe Associated PressFederal officials say they're close to tracing the source of salmonella-tainted tomatoes, but some say the FDA isn't doing enough to protect consumers, while others say it needs to find the source without harming safe producers. (June 11)THE FDA SAYS IT'S GETTING CLOSE TO PINPOINTING THE SOURCE OF THE SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION.THE OUTBREAK IS BELIEVED TO HAVE CAUSED ONE DEATH - AND SICKENED MORE THAN 160 PEOPLE NATIONWIDE SINCE APRIL. [Notes:VO --SHOT OF JAYDEE HANSON] FOOD POLICY EXPERT JAYDEE HANSON SAYS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ISN'T DEVOTING NEARLY ENOUGH RESOURCES TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FOOD-BORNE ILLNESSES. [Notes:SOT--JAYDEE HANSON/CENTER FOR FOOD POLICY]This is the 13th outbreak of salmonella in tomatoes since 1990. What we have is a continuing problem and not a new event. [Notes:VO--SHOTS OF TOMATO FIELDS, PICKING, ETC] THE FDA HAS BEEN WARNING CONSUMERS AGAINST EATING RAW RED PLUM, RED ROMA OR ROUND TOMATOES.BUT NOW, STATE AGRICULTURE OFFICIALS FROM THE SOUTHEAST ARE ALSO CRITICIZING THE AGENCY-- SAYING IT NEEDS TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM WITHOUT HURTING GROWERS WHOSE TOMATOES ARE SAFE.HANSON SAYS ONE PROBLEM IS THAT U.S. FOOD COMES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. [Notes:SOT --JAYDEE HANSON]We have more food from more places....and the FDA is conducting fewer investigations. [Notes:VO --SHOTS OF TOMATOES FOR SALE] GROWERS IN MEXICO AND THEIR GOVERNMENT ARE ALSO CRITICIZING THE U.S.-- CALLING A WARNING AGAINST CERTAIN TYPES OF TOMATOES UNJUST --- AND SAYING IT HAS BROUGHT EXPORTS TO A HALT AND COULD CRIPPLE MEXICO'S 900 MILLION DOLLAR TOMATO INDUSTRY. ___ ___, The Associated Press.

YouTube | June 12, 2008

Tags:. .against. .agency. .agriculture. .associated. .believed