By Catherine Larkin July 9 (Bloomberg) -- Cases of salmonella poisoning from tainted produce surpassed 1,000 as U.S. regulators shifted their focus from tomatoes to jalapeno peppers and other ingredients in salsa.

At least 1,017 people in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Canada have become infected with the culprit Salmonella Saintpaul strain since mid-April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today in a statement on its Web site. One elderly man in Texas has died, and salmonella may also have contributed to the death of a second Texas man who had cancer.

Out of three large groups of illnesses that have been intensely investigated, two were traced back to a restaurant dish containing fresh jalapenos and one was linked to an item with jalapenos and tomatoes, the CDC said. The findings suggest the threat isn't just raw tomatoes, which officials have been urging consumers to avoid for weeks.

``The accumulated data from all investigations indicate that jalapeno peppers caused some illnesses, but that they do not explain all illnesses,'' the Atlanta-based CDC said. ``Raw tomatoes, fresh Serrano peppers, and fresh cilantro also remain under investigation.''

At least 203 people have been hospitalized with salmonella poisoning. A nationwide study found those who became ill were likely to have eaten fresh jalapeno peppers and cilantro as well as tomatoes, the CDC said. The items were often eaten together.

Origin Unknown

Officials have been unable to determine how the produce was tainted or where it came from. The ``vast majority'' of tomatoes in national distribution at the time the outbreak began were from Florida and Mexico, the Food and Drug Administration has said.

The FDA expanded its warning against tomatoes from some U.S. states to indicate that consumers at ``increased risk of severe infection'' shouldn't eat raw jalapeno or Serrano peppers either, the CDC said. Those at greatest risk include infants, the elderly and people with impaired immune systems.

Consumers should be aware that tomatoes and peppers are often used in the preparation of salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, tortilla fillings and other dishes, the agencies said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Catherine Larkin in Washington at clarkin4@bloomberg.net. Last Updated: July 9, 2008 16:34