Peppers linked to salmonella outbreak

WASHINGTON, July 9 (UPI) -- People should be wary of eating raw jalapeno and serrano peppers, as well as certain tomatoes, to avoid illness, U.S. food safety officials warned Wednesday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in a nationwide update of its warning about the ongoing outbreak of the food-borne illness Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, said the Centers for Disease Control has determined "cluster information" indicates that not only certain raw tomatoes but also raw jalapeno and serrano peppers may be linked to the health problem. However, health officials still have not determined the source of the outbreak, which has sickened about 1,000 people in 40 states.

The FDA is advising people in high-risk populations, such as the elderly, infants and people with weakened immune systems, to avoid eating raw jalapeno and raw serrano peppers.

The federal agency also says consumers should continue to avoid eating raw red plum, red Roma or red round tomatoes except for those grown in the areas that have not been associated with the outbreak.

If unsure of the origin of the tomatoes in their home, people should contact the place of purchase or not eat them, the FDA said.

Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and tomatoes grown at home are all right to eat, the FDA said.