posted on June 14, 2008 02:17:36 PM new
We went to the Farmers Market today and they couldn't GIVE away tomatoes. They aren't in season here yet so they have to be imported from God knows where. Most of the merchants at the market are Hmong - not sure whether their tomatoes are from the "safe" areas. I decided better to be safe than sorry but wouldn't a thorough washing of the skin with dishwashing detergent take care of the salmonella? (None of them looked like your Killer Tomato ). I've heard that sellers are buying up all of those to hurl at the Spin-speakers at Ebay live (just kidding). Can't think of a better use!
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posted on June 14, 2008 04:59:44 PM new
Neglus--Here's what the FDA says:
"When outbreaks aren't under way, the FDA recommends washing whole, fresh produce before eating it. But during an outbreak, the stakes are too high. Washing tomatoes probably won't get rid of the contamination, so the FDA urges consumers to simply avoid eating the suspect tomatoes."
Grape, cherry and vine tomatoes are ok. Plum, Roma and round red tomatoes (not on the vine) are NOT ok.
Guess I"ll have to wait until my garden tomatoes are ready
posted on June 14, 2008 09:51:30 PM newWell what do we expect.
We expect to be able to buy produce out of season in this country and don't care where it comes from. Tomatoes and grapes in early spring? Sure, this is America, we deserve it, damn the growing season. When it all goes bad, we'll just blame it on some other country.
posted on June 14, 2008 09:53:56 PM new
That's a mean looking tomato & now you know what Salmonella looks like.
About cooking tomatoes.....Google
Can cooking tomatoes eliminate Salmonella?
Consumers should not attempt to cook the tomatoes involved in this outbreak in an effort to kill Salmonella. Handling tomatoes contaminated with Salmonella can spread the bacterium to anything the handler touches, including hands, kitchen utensils, cutting boards, sinks, and other foods. Cooking tomatoes in the home will not ensure that Salmonella is eliminated.
