Ontario greenhouse tomatoes not part of salmonella recall

Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers has released a statement indicating Ontario greenhouse tomatoes are not the source of a recent tomato recall due to salmonella contamination. Mastronardi Produce Ltd., a marketing company, recently advised the public not to consume Field & Farm brand grape tomatoes (1 pint) and Compliments brand, Santalina grape tomatoes (280 grams) because they may be contaminated with Salmonella anatum. The company has voluntarily recalled these products.
The Ontario grower organization is seeking to make the public aware that these products are not of Canadian origin and not greenhouse grown. The original supplier of these tomatoes was Six L Packing Co. from Immokalee, Fla.
“Retailers and consumers can continue to feel confident when purchasing Ontario greenhouse tomatoes,” said OGVG General Manager, George Gilvesy. “All Ontario greenhouse tomato, cucumber and pepper growers are required to pass an annual third party food safety audit as part of OGVG’s licensing regulations,” said OGVG general manager George Gilvesy. “This helps to ensure that all greenhouse vegetable growers are following important food safety standards.”
OGVG recommends consumers look for the “Product of Canada” or “Product of Ontario” designation on product labels to ensure they are buying Ontario tomatoes. OGVG is a not-for-profit organization representing over 220 members who grow greenhouse tomato, cucumber and bell peppers in Ontario, Canada.