The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced an advisory July 25 for consumers to avoid eating any fresh jalapeno peppers grown in Mexico. Officials said evidence now shows that the contaminated peppers related to the ongoing salmonella Saintpaul outbreak originated in Mexico, but they did not name any specific geographic regions.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest count of reported illnesses stands at 1,294 in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. The most recent illness was July 10.

CDC officials continue to say the data does not exonerate tomatoes, especially those consumed during the early part of the outbreak.

As the investigations continue, legislation was introduced last week to provide emergency financial assistance to the tomato industry. The bill seeks $100 million for producers and handlers for crop and market losses. Sponsoring the bill are Reps. Tim Mahoney, Allen Boyd, Adam Putnam and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. FFVA strongly supports the bill’s passage and will be working to add co-sponsors.

In addition, at least three hearings are scheduled this week to review how federal authorities handled the outbreak.

Rep. Mahoney, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, also will hold field hearings in his district this week to examine what reforms are needed to ensure food safety and to talk with industry members about losses and possible compensation..

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