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Some, but not all, food establishments are pulling tomatoes off their menus AND OUT OF their dishes. However, restaurant chains, including McDonald's, Taco Bell AND California Pizza Kitchen, HAVE BEEN temporarily removing tomatoes from their menus until THE source OF THE contaminated tomatoes is determined. If you are eating out, you may want TO request that your meal is tomato-free. 8026
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Better safe than sorry

Restaurants, grocery stores, AND food service operators HAVE BEEN advised by THE FDA TO not offer raw red plum, Roma, or red tomatoes -- or any products made from these types OF tomatoes -- unless they are from one OF THE areas listed above. However, if you are suspicious about any tomatoes, simply forgo eating them. 7559
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Tomatoes safe FOR consumption

The types OF tomatoes not linked TO any illnesses are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes with THE vine still attached, AND tomatoes grown at home. Note: Any raw red Roma, red plum or round red tomatoes should only come from specific sources listed on THE FDA site.

Tomato do's AND don'ts

• Do rinse all tomatoes under clean, running water while rubbing briskly with your hands before slicing or using, thoroughly.
• Do understand that washing contaminated tomatoes does not ensure they're completely safe. Salmonella can also BE IN THE flesh.
• Do wash produce just before serving but not before storing, as washing will cause produce TO spoil faster.
• Do keep tomatoes that will BE consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood AND raw produce items.
• Do wash your hands before handling tomatoes AND other raw produce.
• Do use clean utensils AND dishes IN preparing your food.
• Do wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, AND countertops with hot water AND soap when switching between types OF food products.
• Don't buy bruised, cut or damaged tomatoes AND discard any that appear TO BE spoiled.
• Don't eat cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes that HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE fridge FOR more than two hours. Toss 'em.5382
  

  Tomatoes are ingredients IN many dishes

  Be aware that raw tomatoes are often used IN THE preparation OF fresh salsa, guacamole, AND pico de gallo, are part OF fillings FOR tortillas AND sandwiches, AND included IN salads, stews, raw sauces, AND dressings. (Are tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable? Find OUT here.)5489