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"While
I can’t guarantee there is not harmful bacteria in local produce, I
can tell you the produce you buy at your local farmers market, grown by
the producer, is the same produce he or she feeds their own family. That
gives me the assurance I need regarding safety of their food," said
FMA Director Don Wambles. He encouraged consumers concerned about food
safety to Buy Fresh, Buy Local.
The
FMA also recommended asking the producer when you purchase fresh fruits
and vegetables if they grow their own produce. "You can learn about
the variety and seasonality of produce you are purchasing when you
communicate with the farmers who grew it," said Wambles. "You
also build a trusting relationship with that farmer."
After
a lengthy investigation, the FDA has determined fresh tomatoes now
available in the domestic market are not associated with the current
salmonella outbreak. As a result, the FDA removed its June 7 warning
against eating certain types of raw red tomatoes. Alabama-grown produce,
including tomatoes, were not linked to the outbreak.
The
FDA, working with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention along with state and local health departments, is continuing
to follow epidemiological and other evidence showing raw jalapeño and
serrano peppers now available in the domestic market may be linked to
illnesses in this salmonella outbreak.
At
this time, people in high-risk populations, like the elderly, infants
and people with impaired immune systems, should avoid eating raw
jalapeño and serrano peppers. |
