ATLANTA, March 11 (UPI) -- 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.
