The Macomb Daily

June 14, 2008

By Maryanne Kocis MacLeod
Macomb Daily Staff Writer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is scrambling to trace the source of 144 reported cases of salmonella Saintpaul poisoning -- including two in Michigan -- linked to certain tomatoes.

Meanwhile, consumers are being encouraged to avoid raw red plum tomatoes, raw red Roma and red round tomatoes, and grocers and fast-food chains are voluntarily removing them from shelves. In California, however, tomatoes already are becoming available again.

It's only the tip of the iceberg, insists New York Times best-selling author Ann Louise Gittleman, author of "The Gut Flush Plan" (Avery, $22.95). "Our food supply is in trouble," said Gittleman, a certified nutrition specialist with a doctorate in holistic nutrition. "I don't think the government has the resources to protect us. This is just one example of many similar outbreaks."

Salmonella bacteria, a food-borne illness carried by certain animals such as cattle and transmitted through feces, according to the FDA. It can be found in water, soil, raw meat and eggs -- and occasionally, fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

These generally surface within three days of eating contaminated food and usually resolve themselves without medical intervention. The most serious cases primarily occur in young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

"People think they have the flu," Gittleman said. "But it's really salmonella."

Gittleman's book discusses possible reasons behind "superbug" outbreaks such as this one -- lack of regulation and compromised immune systems -- and how to reduce the risk of infection or at least lessen the symptoms. These include:

• Eating a high-fiber diet -- broccoli in particular contains antioxidants that fight salmonella.

• Avoiding salad bars, which may not only harbor salmonella, but H. pylori and E. Coli

• Cooking with rhubarb, which strengthens the intestines

• Reducing or avoiding dairy consumption

• Using spices such as cinnamon, sage, tarragon and oregano -- which kill dangerous bacteria

• Chewing licorice

• Drinking lots of water

• And last but not least -- supplementing with a probiotic. These healthy bacteria reside in the intestine and can help fight unhealthy bacteria naturally.

"If you build up enough beneficial bacteria, it will crowd out the other stuff," Gittleman said. "You gotta keep it strong with the right foods and supplements."

Those who suspect they are infected should see their health care provider right away. He or she may then request a stool sample which will be tested and results reported to the local health department, according to Dr. Steven Lokar, medical director for the Macomb County Health Department.

No reported cases have been linked to Macomb County, Lokar added.

When purchasing tomatoes, seek out cherry, grape and those with the vine still attached, three varieties which have so far proven safe from contamination.

Another way to avoid infection is to purchase tomatoes grown close to home, according to the Edible Communities.

"This week's Food and Drug Administration warning is a reminder that eating from sources close to home is one way to avoid exposure to widespread food-borne illnesses," said Tracey Ryder, co-founder and president of Edible Communities. "If there is a problem with a locally grown crop, consumers can trace their food back to its source very quickly."

The FDA has been trying to track down the origin of the current salmonella outbreak for some weeks.

The following tips can help you contain this tasteless, scent-less food-borne illness, according to Eileen Haraminic, program director for food and nutrition with the Macomb County MSU cooperative extension.

Don't purchase bruised or damaged tomatoes; discard any that may start to deteriorate.

Do not wash tomatoes, or other fruits and vegetables, until just before eating them. It accelerates surface corrosion.

Do not store tomatoes in a plastic bag, which prohibits airflow and encourages fungal growth.

Before eating, thoroughly wash tomatoes in clear, running water.

Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot soapy water when switching between food products.

Wash hands thoroughly, particularly before preparing or eating meals and following trips to the restroom.

Consumers uncertain of where a tomato originates should contact their retailer for details. If a location can not be determined, said tomatoes should not be purchased or eaten.