As Salmonella Spreads, FDA says Food Safety Increasing

On July 2, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported significant progress in its Food Protection Plan intended to "help keep consumers enjoying one of the safest food supplies in the world." On July 4, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that the number of still unexplained cases of food-borne salmonella had grown to 943, spread across 40 states.

Along with the original salmonella suspect -- tomatoes -- the FDA and CDC have now added jalapenos, cilantro and other ingredients of fresh salsa as the possible source of the sickness. Of the 943 salmonella cases, 356 had been reported in Texas, where salsa made with fresh tomatoes is a popular dish in restaurants. "These clusters have led us to broaden the investigation to be sure that it encompasses food items that are commonly consumed with tomatoes," stated the CDC in its outbreak update of July 3.

First unveiled in Nov. 2007, the FDA's Food Protection Plan comprises the agency's strategy for working with other federal agencies, state and local authorities and foreign governments to ensure a safe food supply through prevention, intervention and response.

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