The toll in the salmonella outbreak linked to tomatoes has passed 1,000 confirmed ill, making it the worst food outbreak in years. Now the government says some types of hot peppers may be implicated, too.

Federal health officials say raw jalapeno peppers apparently made some people sick, but do not explain all the illnesses. Raw tomatoes are a chief suspect. Fresh serrano peppers as well as fresh cilantro also are being investigated.

The confusing news comes as the toll reported Wednesday reached 1,017 confirmed illnesses. One death is confirmed, a man in his 80s in Texas.