Salmonella cases linked to snack

including one Illinois resident and almost all of them children -- have fallen ill from salmonella linked to a popular snack food called Veggie Booty, state and federal health officials say.

The Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide recall of the puffed corn and rice snack, made by Robert's American Gourmet company, on June 28.

The recall was expanded on Monday to include Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks, another product under the Robert's brand.

The snack company, based in New York, said Tuesday that a seasoning imported from China and used on Veggie Booty and Super Veggie Tings was the "likely cause" of contamination. China has been in the spotlight recently as the source of tainted pet food and seafood.

But FDA spokesman Michael Herndon on Wednesday said it was too early in the investigation to speculate on the cause. The agency is analyzing product samples taken from the company's manufacturing plant.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health could not provide any further details about the Illinois resident who got sick. That person has now recovered, said spokeswoman Melaney Arnold.

The FDA said nearly all of those sickened have been toddlers.

Symptoms of salmonella, which is often associated with raw meats and eggs, include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms can last from one day to more than a week.

Earlier this year, a massive salmonella outbreak that sickened hundreds of people was traced to Peter Pan peanut butter.

While the snack foods have been removed from store shelves nationwide, health officials urge people who may have them in their pantry to throw them out.

People who bought the recalled products can get reimbursed by calling the company at (800) 626-7557.

BY THE NUMBERS
57: Number of people who have gotten sick from salmonella linked to Veggie Booty, a popular snack food, according to state and federal health officials.

1.4 million: Number of cases of salmonella in the United States each year, 95 percent of those cases being related to foodborne illness.

7: Number of days most bouts with salmonella generally last. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea.

source:www.suntimes.com