Mo. tomatoes added to the 'safe to eat list'

COLUMBIA — Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Katie Smith gave the thumbs up to Missouri-grown tomatoes by placing them on the FDA’s “safe to eat list”, said a news release from the state department.

“Missouri consumers can continue to enjoy fresh tomatoes at local farmers markets and fresh pick locations across the state,” Smith stated in the release. “Some stores across Missouri are voluntarily removing tomatoes from certain sources and locations to be safe. Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes have come from should contact the retail location for the point of origin.”

Because of the outbreak, several restaurants in Columbia, including Kaldi’s Coffee, Which Wich?, the Sub Shop and the Cherry Street Artisan, have not been serving tomatoes.

The FDA recommends that consumers not eat tomatoes if they can not determine their origin. The FDA has advised various retailers not to sell raw red plum, Roma or red tomatoes, and products made from these tomatoes, unless they are from states the FDA has listed as having “not been associated with the outbreak.”

Information on safe tomato states can be found at fda.gov.