Fresno, CA, USA -- (KSEE) A nationwide salmonella outbreak, linked to peanut products, is now being blamed for sickening 486 people, including two in Tulare County.
Investigators are working to figure exactly what kind of peanut products, two people in Tulare County ate.
The Food and Drug Administration says 125 different peanut products have already been pulled off of store shelves, nationwide.
This is the plant in Blakely, Georgia, where federal investigators believe the nationwide salmonella outbreak originated.
Officials with the California Department of Public Health say the number of peanut butter products containing strains of salmonella is growing by the hour.
125 different products that list peanut butter as one of the ingredients have already been removed from store shelves in 43 different states.
In California, 62 people have now fallen ill, the largest number of cases of any state in the country.
Ken august, California Dept. of Public Health: "A majority of the illnesses reported from California occurred in October. The most recent case that was reported to us was reported January 1st.”
Of these reported cases: 27 have been reported in Los Angeles County, 3 in San Bernardino County, 3 in Kern County, 4 in Riverside County and now two in Tulare County.
August: "We do not know the product that was consumed, but what we do know is that the individual became ill with a strain of salmonella that is the exact strain that's been linked to the contaminated peanut butter."
Because it’s unknown, as to what products have been affected, officials say it's a good idea to avoid eating foods like cookies, cakes, and ice cream, where peanut butter may be an ingredient.
Chris Sharkey, Concerned Consumer: "I thought it was just in chicken and stuff like that.
Peanut butter lover Chris sharkey was a bit concerned when we spoke with him Wednesday night, as he was walking into a local grocery store.
Sharkey told us he suffered from an upset stomach for most of the day.
Sharkey: "I bought a thing of crackers and chocolate milk, then ate the crackers with the chocolate milk."
Ja-Hadrha Johnson says concerns of Salmonella are always on her mind, because of her children, but says she was shocked when she find out peanut butter products could contain Salmonella.
Ja-Hadrha Johnson: "I never knew it. Never even crossed my mind."
On Wednesday, Nutrisystem, Inc. also issued a voluntary recall of its peanut butter granola bars.
According to health officials, jars of peanut butter are not under investigation and have been deemed safe to eat.
For Preston Phillips’ full story, click on the video link above.
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