FDA finds salmonella strain in jalapeno pepper

WASHINGTON – Government inspectors have found the same salmonella strain responsible for a nationwide food-poisoning outbreak in a Mexican-grown jalapeno in a Texas plant, prompting a new warning for consumers to avoid eating fresh jalapenos.

The Food and Drug Administration called today’s announcement a “very important break in the case.”

But it doesn’t mean Mexican jalapenos are the culprit – the pepper may not have been contaminated on the farm. And while tomatoes currently are safe to eat, health officials also said the finding doesn’t exonerate tomatoes that were sold earlier in the spring and summer.