Brandon Wise HEALTH SCARE: In light of a nation-wide salmonella outbreak that has been linked to certain kinds of tomatoes, the most popular being Roma, Ocean Park Pizza parlor posted a sign to ease customers' concerns. Owner Gary Wallack said his restaurant only uses hothouse, vine-picked tomatoes which would be safe from the disease. Spending $13.50 a case for his tomatoes, Wallack said the freshness helped justify the cost. The source of the tomatoes responsible for the illnesses in at least 16 states has not been pinpointed. At least 23 people have been hospitalized.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 10, 2008. Read the original PDF.