AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES COMMISSIONER: Sparks Reminds Consumers to Look for Alabama Grown Tomatoes at Grocery Stores

FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES COMMISSIONER

June 20, 2008

Montgomery – Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks reminds consumers that they can find FDA approved “safe to eat” Alabama grown tomatoes in many grocery stores throughout the state. While consumers have continued to purchase tomatoes at local farmers markets, they have been hesitant to get them at supermarkets.

“People are reluctant to buy tomatoes at grocery stores because they understandably want to be 100% sure they are locally grown and safe to eat,” said Sparks. “I want to remind consumers that grocery stores do have Alabama tomatoes for sale. If you don’t find a sign giving the origin of the tomato, just ask the store manager.”

Many stores have signs displayed in their produce section, including the “Alabama A+” logo, advertising that the tomatoes are locally grown. For more information on the salmonella outbreak in raw red tomatoes, please visit, http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html.