FDA Tests Cilantro, Peppers for Salmonella

July 7, 2008 -- The FDA is testing cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers, as well as tomatoes, to find the source of the salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 943 people in 40 states and Washington, D.C.

The FDA began testing cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers within the past few days. Jalapeno peppers and Serrano peppers are hot peppers that are often used in salsa.

But the FDA hasn't made any recommendations about eating -- or avoiding -- cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers. For now, the FDA's advice to consumers is still all about tomatoes.

Last week, the FDA announced that it was broadening its search for the source of the outbreak beyond tomatoes. At the time, FDA officials declined to get specific about what other types of produce they were probing, except that those items were commonly eaten with tomatoes.