Contrary to government claims, problem
peppers and chilies were turning up at the U.S.-Mexican border long
before the recent salmonella outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration insisted as recently as last
week that it was surprised by the outbreak, saying Mexican peppers
had not been a problem.
But an analysis of FDA records by The Associated Press shows
that border inspectors repeatedly turned back shipments of peppers
that were filthy and ridden with disease. Just since January, 88
shipments of fresh and dried chilies were rejected. And 10 percent
of those were contaminated with salmonella.
The FDA says its earlier assurances referred to illness
outbreaks, not shipments found to be tainted but turned back.
Food-safety advocates say it shouldn't have taken more than
1,400 people getting sick for the government to step up screening
of companies known for shipping dirty produce.