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UPDATE...

http://www.sci-tech-today.com/news/Salmonella-Outbreak-Appears-Over/story.xhtml?story_id=0010000REYHH

"Salmonella Outbreak Appears Over"
By Andrew Bridges
November 1, 2006 7:48AM

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to interview people sickened in the outbreak, but the information gathered is too vague or broad for the FDA to trace the contamination to its source, Acheson said.
A salmonella outbreak that sickened dozens of people in 19 states appears to be over, while investigators remain unsure how it began, a federal official said Tuesday.

Health officials believe the outbreak may be linked to tomatoes or other fresh produce contaminated with the bacteria, but have been unable to pinpoint a specific product or source. There have been no deaths, but 171 people have fallen sick. Officials revised downward the tally by one case Tuesday, following further investigation.

Reports of illness peaked in late September, suggesting the outbreak is now over, said Dr. David Acheson, chief medical officer in the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. There is little evidence of any ongoing risk, he added.

"Whatever was contaminated that caused the illness, it has either been consumed, destroyed or thrown out. So the suggestion there is a need to put out a consumer warning about produce on the shelf is unwarranted. It seems to be past," Acheson said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to interview people sickened in the outbreak, but the information gathered is too vague or broad for the FDA to trace the contamination to its source, Acheson said."