The nation’s latest food scare has forced me to appreciate tomatoes more than ever.

While I can live without a slice of tomato on my burger, I can’t bear the thought of eating fresh-Mex food without a tasty helping of pico de gallo salsa. I realized this Monday when I hit El Pollo Loco to get a taste of the chain’s new Grilled Chicken Sandwich.

The torta-inspired meal was supposed to include pico de gallo. But, the chain had to debut the sandwich without the fresh salsa. Other fresh-Mex chains that have removed raw tomatoes from foods include Taco Mesa, Tacos & Co., Chipotle and Baja Fresh. (at right, Baja Fresh’s salsa bar is missing two fresh salsas made with chopped tomatoes.)

As a substitute, an El Pollo Loco employee gave me a — hold your breath — packet of hot sauce to put on the sandwich. I gasped.

Packet hot sauce? No way. I would not resort to liquid tomato sauce.

But, after one bite, it was clear that the El Pollo Loco sandwich (at, left) needed something. Without any salsa it was dry and flavorless. I wound up using some El Pollo Loco’s famous avocado salsa on the sandwich to spice it up, a bit.

It worked. But, I’m desperate to get my fresh salsas back.

(Above photo courtesy of Restaurants on the Run)

Related stories:

• More on EPL’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• California tomatoes become a hot ticket, prompting price surge
• Food borne illnesses tied to tomatoes under federal investigation
• Salmonella Q&A: How did tomatoes get infected, and what are the symptoms.
• Southern California retailers, restaurants pull tomatoes from produce aisles
• Industry news: California Tomato Farmers
• Chipotle looking to get safe tomatoes by Thursday (Reuters)

Posted in: Fast food news • Healthy fast food • Mexican Food • Food safety |

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