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Government will start testing other produce in salmonella hunt

Story Created: Jul 2, 2008 at 7:04 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2008 at 7:04 PM EST

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Federal officials now say that tomatoes may not be the only suspect in the recent outbreak of salmonella. But Florida agriculture officials say the damage has already been done to tomato growers.

Investigators are mum on exactly what other vegetables are getting tracked. Items commonly served with fresh tomatoes is the only hint Food and Drug Administration food officials would give, calling it "irresponsible" to point a finger until he has more evidence that some other food really deserves the extra scrutiny.

State agriculture department spokeswoman says a finger has already been pointed at tomato growers.

More than 800 people have been sickened since April, and investigators said last week they are no closer to finding the cause.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)