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 number of produce consume related outbreaks of foodborne illnesses
also increased. Salmonella is one of the primary pathogens associated with
produce outbreaks.