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Are Tomatoes From Local Farms Safer?

Mistakes can be made at any size operation, scientists warn

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 15, 2008 10:02 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Salmonella-tainted tomatoes that sickened 228 people in 28 states may be a boon to the local-food movement, but Newsweek takes a look at whether "locavores" should be so smug. Equating smaller farms with safer practices—and long-distance shipping with more time for bacteria to infect food—more produce-lovers are turning to farmers’ markets. Sales rose almost 20 percent in recent years, but scientists warn that local doesn’t guarantee safe, and mistakes can be made at any size—or distance.

"As a scientist, I cannot say smaller is better," one expert told Newsweek. "It''s just not that simple."

Crowds of people line up to buy Arkansas grown tomatoes at the Farmers Market, Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Little Rock, Ark.
Crowds of people line up to buy Arkansas grown tomatoes at the Farmers Market, Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Little Rock, Ark.   (AP Photo/Mike Wintroath)
Tomatoes sit for sale in the Central de Abastos market in Mexico City, Thursday, June 12, 2008.
Tomatoes sit for sale in the Central de Abastos market in Mexico City, Thursday, June 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Andrew Beaugez places tomatoes on display at his roadside stand June 10, 2008, in Chalmette, La. Many in the local-food movement argue that food grown closer to home may be safer.
Andrew Beaugez places tomatoes on display at his roadside stand June 10, 2008, in Chalmette, La. Many in the local-food movement argue that food grown closer to home may be safer.   (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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Health • Money • US

 
food • food contamination • tomatoes • salmonella • local produce • Food and Drug Administration

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