Jalapeños Identified as Culprit, Advisory Continues

The FDA confirmed that a jalapeno pepper sample is a positive genetic match with the Salmonella strain causing the current Salmonella outbreak. The sample was obtained at a produce distribution center in McAllen, Texas and grown on a farm in Mexico. However it is still unclear where the contamination occured. This distribution center does not account for all the persons affected therefore the advisory issued earlier still remains. Elderly persons, infants and people with impaired immune systems should avoid eating raw serrano peppers or food made from raw serrano peppers until further notice. The investigation continues to determine if there is any evidence that the contamination occurred on the farm in which the pepper was grown or at anywhere esle in the supply chain before the distribution centers.

Salmonella Outbreak continues...and E Coli found in Beef!

So now you can add to the tomatoes jalapeño peppers and fresh cilantro....

Weeks into the salmonella investigation, the list of foods has gotten bigger. Make sure you take care in the recommended use of these vegetables. The advice for now is to continue avoiding certain raw tomatoes — red round, plum and Roma, that is unless they were grown in areas cleared of suspicion. The elderly, people with weak immune systems and infants, who are most at risk, should not eat raw jalapeno and serrano peppers according to the Center for Disease Control. Also note Serranos peppers are also on the list because they're hard to distinguish from jalapenos.

An E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 32 people in Ohio and Michigan is potentially linked to ground beef sold in Kroger stores in Michigan and in central and northern Ohio. A recall of all ground beef products sold at Kroger between May 21 and June 8 has been initiated.

E. coli bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomting. Recovery time is usually five to seven days. However, cases may be life-threatening and like with salmonella infants, elders, and people with weak immune systems are particularly at risk.

Make sure you carefully follow instructions provided by public health officials on what foods to avoid in order to protect yourself and your family from infection. Make sure you cook all ground beef thoroughly to 160 degrees Fahrenheit measured in the thickest part of the meat.