The frequency of reported foodborne illness outbreaks linked to
fresh produce has increased in recent decades.
Since most fresh produce is
consumed raw or minimally processed, pathogen contamination
may be a potential threat to human health.
Tomatoes are of particular interest and used extensively because of
their health promotion .
Unfortunately, with the increase in produce consumption,
the number of produce-related outbreaks of foodborne illnesses
also increased. Salmonella is one of the primary pathogens associated with
produce outbreaks.