Tomatoes and Salmonella (broadcast Friday, June 13th, 2008)

Tomato Slices Scott Bauer, USDA ARS

At least 228 people in 23 states have gotten sick from eating tomatoes contaminated wilt Salmonella, according to the CDC. The outbreak, which has affected several types of tomatoes, has hit hardest in New Mexico and Texas. Officials are still trying to find the cause of the contamination, though a leading theory involves the possibility of a truck used to carry contaminated chickens and later put into service to haul tomatoes. been nearly two weeks since the tomato-salmonella link first surfaced--and while consumers are cautioned to stay away from certain types of tomatoes, we still don't know the source of the outbreak. In this segment, we'll get the latest on the tomato/Salmonella scare, and whether we're overreacting -- or not reacting seriously enough -- to such foodborne illness outbreaks. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.