US Tomato Industry Demands US$100 Million Compensation over Salmonella Outbreak

Source: FLEXNEWS
25/07/2008

25 July, 2008 - The US tomato industry is demanding up to US$100 million in compensation following the recent alert that the fruit was responsible for a nationwide salmonella outbreak.
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Tomato producer and Florida Democratic politician Tim Mahoney introduced legislation earlier this week seeking US$100 million as compensation for losses incurred by the country’s producers and shippers during the alarm.

The US Department of Agriculture will make a decision on the claim.

The move comes as suspicion for the cause of the spate of salmonella incidences that affected almost 1,300 people shifted to jalapeno peppers this week. However, federal officials have yet to officially clear tomatoes.

The issue flared on 7 June when FDA officials warned consumers against eating certain kinds of raw tomatoes suspected of being contaminated with the Saintpaul salmonella strain. This led to thousands of tonnes of tomatoes being dumped by consummers, retailers and restaurants. However, even after the alarm was raised, the number of salmonella cases continued to climb and all tests on the red fruit proved negative.