Another reason to support local (tomato) growers
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Proceed with caution -– but there’s no need to panic. That’s the word from Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of public health for Los Angeles County, talking about the salmonella outbreak tied to some types of tomatoes.
The Food and Drug Administration is urging consumers to avoid raw red plum, red Roma or round red tomatoes, which have been linked to 145 salmonella infections since mid-April. The FDA says consumers can continue to eat cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and tomatoes grown at home. The source of the outbreak remains unknown.
Fielding noted that the FDA’s website says there are no immediate concerns about tomatoes grown in Southern California. “There’s no reason for people to say, ‘Tomatoes are off my diet,’ ” he said. “I would not be concerned about buying things that are locally grown, or from local [farmers] markets.”
He suggested that until further notice, people should take the same care at restaurants that they would at their markets: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the source of tomatoes, or avoid them altogether.
Restaurants, fast-food chains and supermarkets across Southern California weren’t taking any chances, and removed fresh red Roma, plum and red round tomatoes from their shelves and menus.
At La Bottega Marino’s two locations -– on Larchmont Boulevard and on Santa Monica Boulevard –- visitors might notice the change as soon as they sit down.
Typically, a mix of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic and a drizzle of olive oil would be served alongside fresh bread. But starting earlier today, that appetizer was replaced by a creamy dip that includes white beans and a touch of rosemary.
Vice President Sal Marino said he had no concerns about the tomatoes that would normally be served. But why cause unnecessary anxiety among the clientele? “Why worry them about it?’ he said. ‘You want to show them you’re in tune.”
-- Rene Lynch
