Toxic Tomatoes

Toxic
tomato-tamato
let’s call the whole thing off

Salmonella tainted tomatoes, A.K.A., Toxic Tomatoes, are all the rage, yet toxic produce is nothing new. In recent years we have seen numerous cases of produce contaminated by salmonella, e.g., spinach, lettuce, melons, sprouts, tomatoes and other fruits and veggies. As an unaffected observer, one often forgets that this negligence of food production results in deaths, that we are all targets as are our loved ones. The question remains, however, how to think through the issues surrounding the toxic scare without panicking, resorting to conspiracy theories, drawing absurd conclusions or throwing one’s hands up and doing nothing. Relying on the art of judgment, the best tool for teasing out fact from fiction, I have gathered some information that shall make things as simple as possible in the midst of so much chaos

- Unknowns, Some of Which May Well Surprise You!
- Some Known Facts
- 10 Steps to Protect You and Your Family


* * * UNKNOWNS * * *

(1) source of the contamination is not known

(2) possible sources of the contamination

manure from cows and pigs that have been vaccinated for salmonella
GMOs, i.e., genetically modified foods that have been altered to produce their own pesticides as part of the plant’s genetic makeup
worker, plant and processing contamination though handling or cross contamination
food coming in contact with animal carcasses or feces
contaminated water

(3) what the FDA is doing to prevent this from happening in the future is TBD

(4) better testing for salmonella in food and the blood. FYI, blood tests for human beings seek the antibodies not the salmonella bacteria that allegedly causes salmonellosis and typhoid fever.

(5) improved treatments for people infected by salmonella bacteria. Please note that some treatments do more harm than healing

(6) how to prevent misdiagnoses that results in the wrong treatment.


* * * KNOWN FACTS * * * (as of the afternoon of June 13th)

(1) toxic bacterium is salmonella, S.enterica

(2) contaminated tomatoes tomatoes, NOT contaminated
Roma cherry
red plumb grape
round red still attached to the vine
organic


beyond raw tomatoes
Keep in mind that the contamination may well extend beyond the raw tomatoes to foods made with the toxic tomatoes, e.g., ketchup, pasta sauces, especially foods made with uncooked tomatoes, e.g., salsa and salad dressing.


(4) safe states contaminated states

Alabama all states NOT on the safe list
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Delaware
Georgia
Hawaii
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Mississippi
New Jersey
New York
Nebraska
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin



* * * How To Protect Yourself From Toxic Tomatoes * * *

wash produce
(1) Wash tomatoes, ALL produce, including vegetables & fruits. Use water, not vegetable washes, with a vegetable brush or simply clean hands to gently scrub all produce, including organic produce. Also, wash before peeling, e.g., onions, oranges, melons & so on.


clip ends & remove outer layers of produce
(2) Clip tomato button that connects it to the vine. It is alleged that the salmonella is highly concentrated in or around the connection between vine and tomato. In addition, remove outer layers of onions, lettuce, cabbage, potato skins, fruit skins & co., especially produce that is not organic.


cook produce
(3) Cooking tomatoes at 145 degrees will kill the salmonella.


wash hands
(4) Wash hands with soap and water. Do not use the harsh hand washes as they will strip your body of healthy bacteria that may well protect you against salmonella and other harmful bacteria.


wash surfaces
(5)Wash surfaces with clean sponges and non-toxic cleaners. Use clean hand towels and pot holders as well.


non-toxic cleaning
(6) For more information on non-toxic cleaners, please go to my Tree Wisdom webpage

http://www.micahdaily.com


In addition, watch for my forthcoming essential oils how to booklet, a quick and easy reference.


use glass
(7) Use glass cutting boards and storage containers. Also, to avoid cross contamination, use separate cutting boards for meat and produce.


refrigerate
(8) Refrigerate sliced fruits and vegetables


eat well
(9) With proper nutrition and non-toxic foods, your body will destroy the salmonella. All living beings, including human beings, encounter harmful bacteria and viruses everyday. Nature has fitted us with an immune system to tend to toxic invaders, yet also nature has given us the freedom to supply the body with what it needs in order to maintain wellness or not, the price of which is illness. This is not to blame the individual for his or her illness but rather to empower everyone to participate in achieving and maintaining wellness through knowledge, listening to the wisdom of mind, body & soul; thereby making informed decisions.


make your home, food, air & water toxic free
(10) Read my forthcoming book, Wellness In a Toxic Age. For details, please go to:

http://www.micahdaily.com



Coming Soon!
All the products mentioned in my blogs shall be listed on my Products webpage, including best choices and where to buy.at

http://www.micahdaily.com



for more information, go to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at,

http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/salmonellosis_gi.html






The information provided in this blog is for education only. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your healthcare practitioner immediately.