Salmonella Saintpaul: US Outbreak Over, Analysis Continues

The food-borne outbreak of infections due to Salmonella, serotype Saintpaul, which affected nearly 1500 Americans or Canadians during the last 4 months, appears to be over. The latest analysis of the outbreak indicates that raw, Mexican-grown jalapeno peppers were a "major vehicle" for the spread of the pathogen, but the report also implicates raw, Mexican-grown serrano peppers and, to a lesser extent, certain types of tomatoes (particularly early in the outbreak).

Traceback investigations conducted by the FDA identified at least 2 suspect farms in the border state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, as the source of the bacteria. At one of these farms, the serotype was grown from a sample of serrano peppers and irrigation water, which was also used by the other Mexican farm. Additional, unnamed Mexican farms have also been implicated. The FDA did not identify a single packer, distributor, or growing area as the source of the infected tomatoes.

On August 28, the CDC and the FDA lifted the ban on the consumption of raw, Mexican-grown jalapeno and serrano peppers. An advisory ban on eating certain types of tomatoes was lifted July 17.

Photo of jalapeno pepper from FDA.