Tainted tomato mystery

This is the 13th outbreak of salmonella linked to tomatoes since 1990.

In an interview with The Times, FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach conceded that the agency has room for improvement when it comes to food safety.

"I don't think we have done the job yet. We may be facing it for the 13th time and we may have begun to address it earlier, but I don't think we have reached a point where we have put all the parts and pieces in place that are necessary to bring this closer to zero defects," he said.

Meanwhile, the size of the outbreak continues to grow.

"We would characterize this outbreak as ongoing," said Ian Williams, a medical epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of confirmed cases has jumped 37% since Monday as health departments in more states have become aware of the problem. Williams said health officials have learned of people becoming ill as recently as June 1. The first illness was reported in April.

The FDA has told consumers they can safely eat cherry and grape tomatoes and tomatoes still attached to the vine when sold in stores. People should avoid plum, Roma and standard round tomatoes.

California tomatoes of any variety have been declared safe for consumption because the investigation has ruled out the state as a potential source.

"If you don't know where the tomato has come from, don't take the risk. The obvious advice is don't consume the tomatoes," Acheson said. He added that retailers should determine the source of their tomatoes and other produce as a prudent business practice.

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jerry.hirsch@latimes.com