Virginia Tomatoes Available Now

For Release: June 23, 2008

Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804/786-7686

SAFE, FRESH VIRGINIA TOMATOES AVAILABLE NOW

Virginia tomatoes are on the Food and Drug Administration’s “safe source” list, but until now, they weren’t always available. This week the Virginia tomato harvest began in earnest, and consumers concerned about tomato safety may now rest easy as safe, fresh Virginia tomatoes appear in grocery stores, roadside stands, farmer’s markets and farms.

“Just because you buy a tomato in Virginia doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a Virginia tomato,” says Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). “Now that our harvest has begun, shoppers will see a lot of Virginia tomatoes, and many times stores will indicate that tomatoes are Virginia Grown or locally-grown. Of course, if you buy directly from the farmer at a roadside stand or on the farm, you know you’re getting a genuine Virginia tomato.”

Haymore reminds consumers that Virginia tomatoes were never associated with the recent outbreak of salmonella. “In fact,” he said, “when the outbreak occurred, Virginia tomatoes were still in the field. But they’re ripening quickly and our growers are picking them every day.” If stores or restaurants do not identify tomatoes as Virginia Grown, he encourages consumers to ask managers about the source of their product. If they’re not from Virginia or another approved source, he suggests they not buy or eat them.

To find sources for fresh, Virginia tomatoes and other produce, go to www.virginiagrown.com. For more information on tomatoes and food safety, visit VDACS’ Web site at www.vdacs.virginia.gov and click on the tomato button.