ATLANTA, Mar 11, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention says illnesses are still occurring among people who eat products
containing tainted peanut ingredients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the recalled peanuts and peanut
butter, paste and granules contaminated by salmonella bacteria were produced by
Peanut Corporation of America plants in Georgia and Texas for use by various
manufacturers. CDC officials are urging consumers to avoid using any of the
recalled cookies, pet foods, cereals, ice cream, candy and other products.
The CDC said at least 683 people in 46 states have suffered illnesses caused by
the tainted peanut products, with approximately 116 hospitalizations. The
infections might have also contributed to eight deaths.
"The outbreak is continuing, though the numbers of new cases have declined
modestly since December," CDC officials said, adding they are concerned that
infections will continue to occur if people eat recalled peanut-containing
products that are still on their shelves at home.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed all recalled peanut-containing
products at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph/recalls.html.
People without Internet access can call 800-232-4636 for product recall
information.
Officials said major national brands of jarred peanut butter aren't included in
the recalls.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International