Jun 10, 2008 6:51 pm US/Eastern
Some Restaurants & Stores Are Holding The Tomatoes
Reporting
Ron Matz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Some tomatoes may be linked with salmonella.
AP
Hold the tomatoes. That's what some Baltimore area fast food restaurants and supermarkets are saying.
Ron Matz reports some stores have pulled the popular fruit from their menus and store shelves because of a recent outbreak of salmonella.
It's another busy day at the McDonald's on Falls Road. It's lunchtime, but a sign in the window notifies customers they won't be getting tomatoes on their sandwich.
The reason is a tomato-related salmonella outbreak. It's a health scare that is difficult to pinpoint.
The FDA says since April, 145 cases have been reported in 16 states. They have been linked to raw tomatoes, including Red Roma, Red Plum and Red Round.
No salmonella cases have been reported in Maryland, so many area restaurants still have tomatoes on the menu.
Café Hon's owner Denise Whiting has been researching the problem. She's still serving tomatoes at her popular Hampden restaurant.
"I've done some research and found there haven't been any outbreaks since May 27, so with that we're continuing to use tomatoes," said Whiting. "I've spoken with my produce and food service companies and I feel pretty confident there's not a problem at this time."
It is still OK to eat cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes and tomatoes with the vine attached.
Subway, Outback and Taco Bell are among some of the other chains that have also taken tomatoes off their menus.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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