Salmonella Outbreak Over

Finally, it is officially over: health authorities declared Thursday the salmonella outbreak, which sickened 1,442 people and caused at least 286 hospitalizations, was over. However, the damages are still causing concern.

Official statements say that since July, there have been no reported clusters of people falling victim to salmonella, and in early August, the numbers have fallen below outbreak levels. However, in spite of the declarations, it is not just relief that is sweeping across - there is lingering angst and anger over lost produce and profits, shattered consumer confidence, and lost jobs.

"Unquestionably, we're relieved. But we don't want this thing swept under the rug. We still have a lot of people out there hurting," said Tom Nassif, chief executive of the Irvine-based Western Growers Assn., which produces about half of the nation's output.

The salmonella scare is estimated to have cost the industry between $130 million and $250 million. In fact, a general opinion has surfaced against the FDA, with many alleging it blundered through the entire period of crisis episode.

The FDA kept on altering its stance, shifting warnings from tomatoes to jalapeño and serrano peppers. When infections were first reported in mid-April, the FDA warned against certain tomatoes by early June. The advisory was lifted in mid-July, but by then many retailers had got rid of all tomatoes from shelves.

Only a few weeks later, the FDA issued a warning against Mexican jalapeño peppers, as contaminated samples were found in a victim's home and a Texas distribution center. Soon thereafter, the agency said salmonella was present in a serrano pepper and irrigation water on a Mexican farm. However, Mexican officials contested the claim and said tests by their investigators could find no salmonella.

Now, the FDA’s modus operandi is being held up to question in public circles. Producers are complaining that the FDA shunned their offers to supply information.

A bill introduced in July by Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) asked for compensation to be given to tomato growers and packers nationwide in lieu of $100 million in losses relating to the outbreak. However, federal health officials said Thursday that many loose ends still remain regarding the salmonella episode. "None of us can give a cast-iron guarantee that salmonella saintpaul won't reemerge," said David Acheson, the FDA's food safety chief.

Government and industry should join forces to improve technology so as to detect pathogens more accurately and promote electronic product tracking. As of now, an estimated 30 to 40 pieces of legislation have been introduced, to look into food safety programs, traceability and research funding.