Can we have our tomatoes back? Ask the FDA

They are rotting on the vines and even though never associated with the recent salmonella scare, they are included under the embargo. They are calling for a closer working connection as well with the FDA and Department of Agriculture. Where do we stand with the “attack of the killer tomatoes”? BD

IRVINE, Calif., July 16, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Western Growers' President and CEO Tom Nassif sent a letter yesterday to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach urging him to make a strong public announcement that all tomatoes grown in the United States, regardless of variety, are safe to eat. "Although tomatoes in California were never associated with this outbreak our growers are suffering," wrote Nassif in the letter. "Some have left fruit to rot on the vine. Others have disced their tomatoes into the ground. The market is suppressed and demand is low. Exporters are having great difficulties selling to overseas markets.