U S Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The bacteria causing the illnesses are Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella.
How do people catch Salmonella?
Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.
Methods to prevent illness
Properly cooking meat, poultry and eggs, and washing produce are generally the best methods to prevent illness.
FDA: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html