Tomatoes Pulled Fearing Salmonella

June 10, 2008

McDonald’s has stopped serving sliced tomatoes in its U.S. restaurants over concerns about salmonella food poisoning linked to some uncooked varieties. McDonald’s Corp., the world’s largest hamburger chain, stopped serving sliced tomatoes on its sandwiches as a precaution until the source of the salmonella is known, according to a statement from spokeswoman Danya Proud. McDonald’s will continue serving grape tomatoes in its salads because no problems have been linked to that variety, Proud said. The source of the tomatoes responsible for the illnesses in at least 16 states has not been pinpointed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said at least 23 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Taco Bell has also have halted serving tomatoes.