Waiting for the FDA to pull the trigger

Earlier today, I received an email addressed to Packer reporter David Mitchell and copied to me from a tomato broker who expressed growing frustration with the inability of the FDA to completely clear Florida growing areas in their traceback investigation. I have asked for permission to post the letter on the blog and I will if I receive permission.

The basic frustration expressed by the broker is that Florida tomato growers are "twisting in the wind" when the preponderance of apparent evidence - as expressed by New Mexico health authorities, at least - seems to point to Mexico as the source of the salmonella tainted tomatoes. Yet some complications - perhaps co-mingling at a repacker - are thought to prevent the FDA from clearing Florida growing regions, he said.

With fast food chains beginning to act on the FDA now-nationwide consumer alerts, the pressure is on the agency to quickly identify not only the growing region but also the responsible farm and packing facility that shipped the tomatoes.

FDA's interest in cooperative relationships with growers is being sorely put to the test.