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FMA's WAMBLES RE-EMPHASIZES SAFETY OF ALABAMA PRODUCE
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now saying that jalapeno and serrano peppers -- not tomatoes -- are the culprits in the recent salmonella outbreak, the Alabama Farmers Market Authority is re-emphasizing that no produce grown in the state has been linked to the event. "While I can't guarantee that there is not harmful bacteria in local produce, I can tell you that that the produce that you buy at your local farmers market that has been grown by the producer is the same produce he or she feeds their own family. That gives me the assurance I need regarding safety of their food," said FMA Director Don Wambles. Wambles encourages consumers concerned about food safety to Buy Fresh, Buy Local. "Purchasing locally grown produce supports your local farmers, your community and is the safest food for your family," says Wambles. The FMA also recommends asking the producer when you purchase fresh fruits and vegetables if they grow their own produce. "You can learn about the variety and seasonality of produce you are purchasing when you communicate with the farmers who grew it," said Wambles. "You also build a trusting relationship with that farmer." After a lengthy investigation, the FDA has determined that fresh tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not associated with the current salmonella outbreak. As a result, the FDA removed its June 7 warning against eating certain types of raw red tomatoes. Alabama-grown produce, including tomatoes, were not linked to the outbreak. The FDA, working with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with state and local health departments, is continuing to follow epidemiological and other evidence showing that raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers that are now available in the domestic market may be linked to illnesses in this salmonella outbreak. At this time, people in high-risk populations, such as the elderly, infants and people with impaired immune systems, should avoid eating raw jalapeño and raw serrano peppers.
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