According to USA Today, the recent Salmonella outbreak — the largest in 20 years — may no longer be attributed solely to tomatoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning on July 9 to consumers about the possibility of salmonella in raw jalapeno and serrano peppers. So far, the states with the most cases of salmonella are New Mexico and Texas.

The areas that grow the most tomatoes are no longer considered at risk for salmonella, but the Food and Drug Administration still wants people to be cautious.

Thus far, more than 1,000 people have been sickened by salmonella and more than 200 have been hospitalized, according to the CDC.

For more information about salmonella in peppers, check out the following articles:

Salmonella Warnings Shift Focus to Hot Peppers
Killer Hot Peppers?
Salmonella Toll Tops 1,000

Photo: ISTOCKPHOTO 

Still anxious about the Salmonella found in tomatoes? Although some cases have been reported as recently as late June, don’t let it stop you from enjoying fresh, seasonal tomatoes. Turn to local markets instead of industrial food to lessen your chances of getting salmonella or try growing them yourself.

Although the season is almost through to successfully grow your own tomatoes, our wonderful article on growing tomatoes in the winter by David Cavagnaro may be helpful to you if the outbreak continues in the upcoming months.

For more articles about the ongoing Salmonella outbreak, check out the following links…

• Salmonella inquiry looks beyond tomatoes
• Salmonella update: Video
• Salmonellosis Outbreak in Certain Types of Tomatoes
• Investigation of Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Saintpaul
• Salmonellosis Outbreak from Certain Tomatoes: Questions & Answers for Consumers and Industry