Posted: June 6th, 2008 - 8:04am by Doug Powell

A total of 11 states, which now include Wisconsin, Virginia and Kansas, have confirmed 112 cases of Salmonella Saintpaul and of those cases, 83 were reported in Texas and New Mexico.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said preliminary investigations suggest that raw red plum, red Roma or round red tomatoes are to blame.

The agency advised residents of Texas and New Mexico to only eat tomatoes that haven’t been connected to the outbreak, including homegrown, cherry and grape tomatoes as well as those sold attached to the vine.

They also reminded consumers that fresh salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and other products may contain raw tomatoes.

Albertsons has joined Kroger and Central Market in pulling tomatoes from its shelves.

New Mexico Environment Secretary Ron Curry said Thursday in a statement,

"The department's food program bureau is contacting distributors of tomatoes to ensure they notify food establishments to stop serving tomatoes suspected in making people sick."

KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi, Texas, conducted a random phone survey Wednesday afternoon, and found tomatoes are temporarily not on the menu at Subway, La Playa, Olive Garden, Water Street Restaurants, and Schlotzky's.

However, tomatoes are still being served at TGI Friday's, Fuddrucker's, Katz 21, Nolan's Poorboys, McDonald's, Mimi's by the Sea, Whataburger, and Wallbangers.

Reuters reported that even pork bellies are feeling the pressure, as prices fell $4 to $15 per hundredweight in the cash markets on Thursday. The bacon for BLT sandwiches is sliced from pork bellies.

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