Washington , D.C. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement on the continued investigation into the salmonella poisoning linked to uncooked tomatoes. Over 85 people in eleven states have been sickened, including approximately 57 cases of illness caused by a rare type of Salmonella bacteria called SaintPaul.

After the E. coli outbreak involving spinach in 2006, which sickened nearly 200 people and caused three deaths, the total market value for spinach has yet to recover from its pre-outbreak levels.  We are in danger of seeing a repeat of this situation with the recent salmonella outbreak involving tomatoes, which thus far could be linked to over 85 cases in as many as nine states.

What is very disappointing about this most recent outbreak is that steps could have already been taken to avoid these problems.  The fresh produce industry demonstrated initiative last year in requesting strong federal safety standards.  The FDA also proposed safety standards for produce last year that were rejected by the Bush Administration. 

When even industry acknowledges that self-regulation and voluntary guidance is not working, it is long past time for the federal government to act.  Congress should heed this call and move forward with reforming the food safety system that includes controls linked to preventing contaminations, science-based performance standards, frequent inspections, and accountability for imported foods.