OK, it looks like tomatoes are safe to eat now.

The state Department of Heath came out with a news release Thursday afternoon quoting the FDA.  

The release said:

The New Mexico Department of Health and New Mexico Environment Department today encouraged people to follow national recommendations that all tomatoes are safe to eat and people who are elderly, young or with compromised immune systems should avoid raw jalapeño and Serrano peppers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced this afternoon that tomatoes on the market now are safe. Federal officials continue to believe tomatoes were involved in the national Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak that has sickened more than 1,200 people in 42 states, including 104 in New Mexico. However, FDA said it lifted the warning because there are no tomatoes coming into the market from areas that were potential sources of contamination.

“Federal officials are confident that is safe for people to eat tomatoes now,” said Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil. “However, the investigation continues, and New Mexicans who are concerned about Salmonella should avoid raw jalapeño and Serrano peppers until we hear differently.”

The Department of Health has not confirmed a new case since July 9. For the latest New Mexico case information, look up the Department’s website: www.nmhealth.org.