Marketed by Robert's American Gourmet in Sea Cliff, New York, and sold nationwide, the snack has reportedly caused 51 cases of possible salmonella poisoning. The company says the FDA contacted them about the illnesses in 17 states and they are now recalling the snack.
The FDA advises consumers to discard any brand of Veggie Booty they have in their home. The snack is sold in a flexible plastic foil bag in four ounce, one ounce, and one-half ounce packages in United States and Canada.
This is a popular snack among children, so parents are encouraged to watch their children, and seek medical care if they observe signs of illness.
The illness caused by Salmonella can be serious and sometimes fatal. Young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems are especially prone. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
AP quotes a company official as saying that though none of the products has tested positive for salmonella, the company acted as a precaution after the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that many of the infected people has eaten the product.
A release from the FDA says that the warning is based on 52 reports of illness across 17 states, beginning in March 2007. Almost all the illnesses have occurred in children under 10 years old.
