salmonella scare continues: are the duo the only ones not scratching their heads?
Posted by Meg
A couple weeks ago, tomatoes went off the shelves in groceries and off the plates in restaurants after being connected to a salmonella outbreak. It’s not the tomatoes themselves that are infected, it’s the processing plants where they’re packed, or turned into other products that are causing the problems. The outbreak continues, the FDA continues to flounder, and Sarah and I can only wonder: why aren’t more people talking about locally grown and packed produce that not only tastes better, but is more likely safer (and certainly easier to control in the event of a problem like salmonella)? I realize not everywhere in the country is great for tomato growing (we’re spoiled here in Maryland–throw tomato seeds on the ground and wait), but there are plenty of hydroponic and potted plant options if your soil isn’t conducive.
Meg’s short list of solutions to the tomato crisis:
1. Shop farmers markets or locally grown sections in your grocery for regional tomatoes
2. Grow your own
3. Be the person that creates the Tomato of the Month club
4. Buy lesser processed tomatoes (like those still on the vine)
5. Write the FDA and encourage more regionalized produce inspection processes, like the ones the USDA has for meat processing plants
6. Vive la difference: take this moment of doubt as an opportunity to try other veg. I’m a fan of peaches for similar texture and tart. Try a peach, swiss, turkey burger with lots of pepper, and red onions (if onions are your thing). Fruit is pretty awesome in salads, and makes a wicked salsa when you combine it with the right herbs.
