WASHINGTON (AP) - The Texas plant where health officials found

salmonella on a single Mexican-grown jalapeno is recalling its

fresh peppers.

The Food and Drug Administration's food safety chief says the

discovery of the same strand of salmonella in the nationwide

outbreak on the pepper is a "very important break."

 But the case isn't closed yet.

 And tomatoes, the original suspects in the outbreak that has sickened more than

1,200 people in 43 states,aren't totally exonerated yet.

The FDA hasn't said how far produce from the plant near the

Mexican border may have traveled, although it's not considered a

major processor. Investigators are trying to figure out where the

pepper became tainted -- on the farm, in the plant in McAllen,

Texas, or at some stop in between.

For now, the FDA is warning against eating fresh jalapenos and

products made with them, such as fresh salsa.

Tomatoes now on the market are considered safe to eat.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)