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Tomato bacterium also found in capsicum and potatoes

The bacterium that has halted export of New Zealand fresh tomatoes, capsicums and potatoes has not lead to any reports of human health issues. New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) Principal Adviser (Microbiology) Roger Cook says that while further details on this particular organism are awaited, it is very rare for bacteria that harm plants to also harm humans. He says NZFSA has concluded that at this stage there is no evidence to indicate this bacterium poses a risk to human health through tomatoes, capsicums or potatoes. “However, we will reassess this conclusion should further information become available.” For more information about the bacterium go to Biosecurity New Zealand’s website:

Biosecurity New Zealand

July 2008