Jul 1, 2008 5:53 pm US/Eastern
Reporting Kellye Lynn

Hospital Initiative Tries To Make Food Healthier

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― The investigation into the salmonella outbreak takes a new turn.

Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn reports tomatoes may not be to blame for the hundreds of illnesses nationwide.  FDA investigators are now focusing their efforts on other foods that may have caused the contamination.

Nearly a month after warning the public to avoid tomatoes, government investigators change their course.

"What the FDA is doing is a trace back investigation...but they still have not found where the origin is for this problem," said Dr. Jim Gorney, executive director of Postharvest.

So far the salmonella outbreak has affected more than 850 people across the country, including 29 in Maryland.  Many of the sickened fell ill at Mexican restaurants. Investigators are trying to determine if peppers, cilantro, and other ingredients in salsa and guacamole could be to blame. 

"They've narrowed it down to South Florida and three states in Mexico," said Gorney. 

Here in Maryland, local hospitals are not taking any chances. At Mercy Medical Center Tuesday, officials unveiled a new initiative to purchase more locally grown and organic foods.

"There's a sense of security there. We know where the products are coming from, where they're harvested," said Steve Lentz with Mercy Medical Center. 

Using locally grown produce helps reduce travel time and handling which can cut down on contamination.

"It provides fresh, more nutritious foods to patients, staff, visitors and surrounding communities. It reduces exposure to toxic chemicals," said Louise Mitchell, University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Joan Norman operates an organic farm in White Hall, Md.

"I think it's great. Farmers in the area need the extra support. We won't be shipping food around the country. It will save the hospitals and consumers time and money," said Norman.

Even though the salmonella investigation is far from solved, the government continues to recommend that people limit tomato consumption to grape, cherry and tomatoes that are sold on a vine. Also avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes. Discard any that appear spoiled.