Investigators continued the work to confirm the source of the salmonella-contaminated tomatoes that have sickened 24 people in Texas, according to state officials. 40 cases of Salmonella infection have been confirmed in New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

The FDA yesterday warned consumers in Texas and New Mexico to avoid raw red plum, red Roma, and round red tomatoes because of the possible contamination. Cherry, grape, and home-grown tomatoes should be safe, the FDA said. The FDA has not issued a ban on raw tomatoes.

H-E-B and Randalls groceries have removed tomatoes from their shelves. Some restaurants owners said they have taken all the tomatoes off the menu until they get certification that they are safe.

Authorities are investigating 29 recent cases of salmonella infections in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Utah to determine if they are linked to tomatoes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise consumers to thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water, refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes within two hours, or discard them, keep tomatoes that will be eaten raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood, or other raw products, avoid buying bruised or damaged tomatoes, and discard any that look spoiled. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and infants should stay away from tomatoes tied to the outbreak.

Salmonellosis outbreaks are typically associated with poultry and eggs. Normally, specialists say, tomatoes have a smooth, slick skin that makes it difficult for bacteria to attach to the surface and it is very easy to wash off.