The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Safety Inspection Service began investigating the products on Oct. 5 after officials in several states reported cases of salmonella associated with the pot pies.
So far, 139 cases of salmonella poisoning are reported in 30 U.S. states. Wisconsin had the most cases (19), followed by Pennsylvania (13), CNN reports.
USDA says likely source is chicken and turkey pot pies made by ConAgra. Though the company shuts down pie plant but says undercooking likely the cause.
"The company reminds consumers that these products are not ready-to-eat, and must always be thoroughly cooked as instructed on the packages," the company said in a statement on its Web site.
"The cooking instructions for these products are specifically designed to eliminate the presence of common pathogens found in many uncooked products."
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 23 people have been hospitalized, but so far no deaths have been linked to the pot pies.
The Omaha Nebraska-based company is offering refunds to the customers as the consumers have been warned not to eat the pot pies while officials investigate.
ConAgra spokeswoman Stephanie Childs told the Associated Press that the company has decided with USDA officials to issue a consumer alert on Tuesday than a full-fledged product recall.
The pot pies have been removed from Giant Food and Stop & Shop supermarket chains as a precaution. Giant Food has 186 stores in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C., while Stop & Shop has 389 stores in seven northeastern states.
Salmonella poisoning can cause diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain and vomiting. Most cases are caused by undercooked eggs and chicken.
Symptoms that can appear 12 to 72 hours after infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
