Virginia-grown tomatoes are still on the vine, and are not among fresh tomatoes being pulled from grocery shelves and restaurant menus because of a salmonella scare.

Virginia ranks No. 4 in the nation in tomato production, with most of that occurring on the Eastern Shore. The state's signature Hanover tomato is primarily sold at farmers markets.

Elaine Lidholm of the Virginia Department of Agriculture (web|news) and Consumer Services says the tomato harvest won't begin until the first week in July.

Federal officials are seeking the source of a 17-state salmonella outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 167 people infected with salmonella with the same "genetic fingerprint" since mid-April. At least 23 people have been hospitalized.

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