Teleconference - More victims, no "answer"

The FDA/CDC reported today in the press teleconference that the number of victims associated with the salmonella outbreak is now 383 in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The most recent onset date of illness from salmonella saintpaul is June 5.

"We don't believe the outbreak is over." one CDC official said.

Nothing new on the investigative front; FDA officials continue to talk to health officials in Florida and Mexico,

"We're going flat out," said David Acheson of the FDA. Optimistic but realistic - the agency is beginning to reduce expectations investigators will find the farm or packing shed associated with the outbreak.

When a reporter asked him about whether the agency wants mandatory preventive controls for tomatoes Acheson said the FDA is waiting for legislative authority to do just that.