FDA teleconference - June 27 - It is tomatoes, isn't it?

TK: Here is the link to the discussion group page with a link to today's FDA teleconference audio file.

A couple of notes from the press conference:
* over 800 victims
* Acheson continues to lower expectations FDA will find "smoking gun"
* Distribution chain also being investigated
* FDA has tested 1,700 samples from Fla. and Mexico so far and found no evidence of salmonella
* fairly extensive discussion of repacking role in fresh tomato industry
* CDC keeping an "open mind" about possible cause of outlook - reporters pressed CDC on this point, and CDC says there is a "strong correlation" with tomatoes. One reporter asked CDC if their concern was increasing that tomatoes were not the commodity as the outbreak continues- CDC said they are concerned they don't have evidence to confirm or refute their theory. CDC refused to list commodities 2, 3 and 4 that might be other suspects....
* "It isn't over yet."
* Acheson on repacking: "We have to examine the whole traceability system as to how to build a system so when we do have a problem we can figure out where it came from." No opinion offered by Acheson on whether legislation is needed or not.


TK: The CDC/FDA desperately needs a "smoking gun" on tomatoes as the source of this outbreak. It doesn't have one yet.