WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) today praised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to clear Florida tomatoes from concerns regarding a salmonellosis outbreak linked to tomatoes in certain areas of the nation:

“I would like to commend the FDA which has cleared for shipment tomatoes grown in central Florida late today,” said Putnam.  “The actions by the FDA based on all applicable food safety criteria have prevented significant economic loss for countless growers and packers throughout Florida.  I encourage FDA's continued sound and timely review of all the food safety issues associated with this case.”

Specific Florida counties cleared for shipment include:

North Florida: Jackson, Gadsen, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Suwannee and Hamilton. 
Central Florida: Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto, Sarasota, Highlands, Pasco, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando, Charlotte.

Further information available at: http://www.fda.gov

"It should also be noted that the food safety laws already in place in Florida enabled the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide FDA with the necessary information in a timely fashion,” said Putnam. “Similar standards are needed nationally.”

Earlier this spring, Putnam coauthored the Safe FEAST Act, legislation to modernize food safety requirements for domestically produced and imported food.  The measure would enhance the FDA’s ability to identify and prevent potential sources of food-borne illness.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.  As chairman of the Republican Conference, he is the third ranking member of his party’s leadership in the House of Representatives.

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