The scope of the salmonella outbreak blamed on tomatoes has increased, with more than 800 confirmed cases in 36 states and the District of Columbia, while federal health officials now say tomatoes might not be the source, but they remain the primary suspect.
The Associated Press reports officials are looking into whether another ingredient, which they decline to identify, or a contaminated warehouse could be to blame. There are two reasons for the expanded focus.
First, people continue to get sick, weeks after the suspect tomato varieties were pulled from supermarkets and restaurants. In addition, some victims have told authorities they got sick after eating salsa or guacamole.
To date, 95 people have required hospitalization. No deaths are reported, although salmonella might have contributed to one fatality from cancer.
The FDA website has more information.
