Marler Clark: A Long History of Tomatoes and Salmonella

SEATTLE--(Business Wire)--
The CDC, public health officials in several states, the Indian
Health Service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are
working together on an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human
salmonella serotype saintpaul infections linked to the consumption of
tomatoes. According to food borne illness attorney William Marler,
this isn't the first time tomatoes are the source of salmonella
infections.

"Salmonella and tomatoes have an ongoing relationship," Marler
said. "Sadly, it's a long list of outbreaks. We've gotten better at
tracing the serotypes and finding the source of the tainted food, but
we have to do more: we have to prevent contaminated food from entering
the food supply in the first place."

In 1990, a reported 174 salmonella javiana illnesses were linked
to raw tomatoes as part of a four-state outbreak. In 1993, 84 reported
cases of salmonella montevideo were part of a three-state outbreak. In
January 1999, salmonella baildon was recovered from 86 infected
persons in eight states. In July 2002, an outbreak of salmonella
javiana occurred associated with attendance at the 2002 U.S.
Transplant Games held in Orlando, Florida during late June of that
year. Ultimately, the outbreak investigation identified 141 ill
persons in 32 states who attended the games. All were linked to
consumption of raw tomatoes.

During August and September 2002, a salmonella newport outbreak
affected the East Coast. Ultimately, over 404 confirmed cases were
identified in over 22 states. Epidemiological analysis indicated that
tomatoes were the most likely vehicle, and were traced back to the
same tomato packing facility in the mid-Atlantic region.

In early July 2004, as many as 564 confirmed cases of
salmonellosis associated with consumption of contaminated tomatoes
purchased at Sheetz Convenience Store were reported in five states:
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. Seventy
percent were associated with tomatoes in food prepared at Sheetz
convenience stores. In 2006 two outbreaks of salmonella-tainted
tomatoes where reported by the FDA. One was blamed for nearly 100
illnesses in 19 states. FDA also traced tomatoes involved in another
outbreak involving 183 people in 21 states.

Since late April, 2008, 68 persons infected with genetically
identical salmonella saintpaul have been identified in Texas (35
persons) and New Mexico (33 persons). In addition, 29 persons with the
outbreak strain of salmonella saintpaul have been reported since
mid-April in residents of Arizona (6 persons), Colorado (1), Idaho
(2), Illinois (12), Indiana (1), Kansas (3), Utah (1), Virginia (1),
and Wisconsin (2).

BACKGROUND: Marler Clark has represented thousands of victims of
foodborne illness outbreaks since 1993. The firm's attorneys have
litigated high-profile food poisoning cases against such companies as
ConAgra, Wendy's, Chili's, Chi-Chi's, and Jack in the Box. Marler
Clark currently represents victims of outbreaks traced to ground beef,
pot pies, spinach, and peanut butter, as well as other foods. Contact
Mary Siceloff at msiceloff@marlerclark.com or 206-719-4705. For
further information on tomatoes and salmonella, visit
www.marlerclark.com, www.about-salmonella.com, and www.marlerblog.com.

Marler Clark
Mary Siceloff, 206-719-4705
msiceloff@marlerclark.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008