Why the recent outbreaks?

The FDA isn't checking farms and packing plants as regularly as they used to. The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects every meatpacking plant in the country each day; in contrast, the FDA might inspect a vegetable packing facility just once a year. In 1972, the FDA inspected 50,000 farms and plants, by 2006, that number had dropped to only 10,000.

How does Salmonella Affect Tomatoes?

Manure, runoff, and wild animals. Livestock, especially when kept it large numbers in confined spaces, can contract salmonella with showing any symptoms. The bacteria is passed through waste, which is then used as fertilizer for produce.

Another possibility is contaminated water that farmer's use for irrigation.

The only tomato that's safe? Those that are still on the vine, since their skin is punctured at picking.

Continued in the next post...