June 10, 2008, Leamington, Ont. — The FDA announced June 5 that Canadian tomatoes are not the source of the current salmonella outbreak in the United States. Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) take food safety very seriously and were the first group of growers anywhere in North America to regulate food safety in their industry. 
“Retailers and consumers should know that all Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers of tomatoes, sweet peppers and seedless cucumbers are required by provincially mandated legislation to belong to the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers,” says OGVG general manager Kristen Callow. “All Ontario greenhouse growers must provide the OGVG with proof of passing a yearly third-party food safety audit in order to obtain and maintain a licence to grow Ontario greenhouse vegetables. This ensures that all greenhouse vegetable growers are following important food safety standards.”
Ontario greenhouse vegetables are grown in a highly controlled environment, allowing the industry to regulate all aspects of production and packaging. Retailers and consumers can continue to feel confident when purchasing all types of round Canadian greenhouse tomatoes, such as romas, beefsteak, tomatoes on the vine, cocktail, plum and all other specialty types.
The OGVG has posted a food safety video on YouTube .
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