Don't Be Eating Raw Tomatoes

According to an article in today's Statesman, a salmonella bacteria outbreak linked to raw tomatoes is affecting nine states, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Illinois and Indiana. Authorities are apparently investigating the outbreak that has affected 21 Texans, one of them a Hays County resident.

If shoppers and their families are not into experiencing symptoms like headaches, stomach pains, cramping and vomiting, the Department of State Health Services is recommending they steer clear of raw Roma or full-size tomatoes.

Home-grown tomatoes or tomatoes on a vine are OK to eat, otherwise DSHS says to cook tomatoes to 145 degrees for no less than 15 seconds to kill the bacteria.