Processed tomatoes, such as Del Monte®, S&W®, and Contadina® Tomatoes, are Safe to Eat
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported an outbreak of Salmonella that has been traced to certain types of raw tomatoes.
According to the Tomato Product Wellness Council, the FDA also stated that there is no Salmonella risk in consuming processed tomato products such as canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, soup and juice since in processing these products, heat reaches at least 160 degrees. Pathogens such as Salmonella are killed at 145 degrees.
Within hours of being picked from the vine at peak ripeness, our tomatoes are cooked and sealed in containers. This cooking process guarantees their optimal flavor and safety from food-borne pathogens and also provides an enhanced value of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps fight disease. Canned whole or diced tomatoes also can be used instead of raw tomatoes for salads, salsas and other family favorite recipes.
While the source has not been pinpointed, a list of the states producing raw tomatoes that are not considered a risk are listed on the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html) and guidance for consumers can be found on the CDC websites (http://cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/).
Del Monte Foods is a leading producer of processed tomatoes, including diced, stewed, paste, ketchup and sauces. Del Monte Foods' tomato brands include Del Monte®, S&W® and Contadina®.
In addition, please note that Del Monte is not affiliated with Fresh Del Monte. Del Monte Foods markets packaged food products under the Del Monte® brand in the United States and South America. Del Monte Foods does not market fresh fruits, fresh vegetables or other fresh produce.