The Food and Drug Administration says cases of illness from salmonella-tainted tomatoes are being reported in Vermont.
The number of cases nationwide jumped to 228 illnesses Thursday as the government learned of five dozen previously unknown cases. The FDA also said it is possible the food poisoning contributed to a cancer patient’s death.
Vermont and five more states including, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York and Tennessee — reported illnesses related to the outbreak, bringing the number of affected states to 23.
The Food and Drug Administration has not pinpointed the source of the outbreak. With the latest known illness striking on June 1, officials also are not sure if all the tainted tomatoes are off the market.
After reassurances from Vermont agriculture officials, the FDA determined that all tomatoes grown in the state are safe.