'Veggie Booty' Snacks Recalled

Salmonella contamination sickened dozens of children Don't eat Veggie Booty snacks, the Food and Drug Administration warned late Thursday. The product has been recalled due to salmonella contamination that has sickened dozens of people. The FDA advised anyone with plastic foil bags of Robert''s American Gourmet brand Veggie Booty in the cupboard to throw it away. Veggie Booty is often consumed by children, so parents are encouraged to watch their children, and seek medical care if they observe signs of illness. See a doctor if anyone develops symptoms, and report any illnesses to state or local health departments. This 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, with the most cases in toddlers. Most persons had reported bloody diarrhea; four were hospitalized. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

• Diarrhea, particularly bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever

Symptoms typically begin within one to four days after exposure to the bacteria. In infants, persons with poor underlying health and those with weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. States reporting illnesses include: California (seven cases), Colorado (five cases), Connecticut (one case), Georgia (one case), Indiana (one case), Massachusetts (three cases), Minnesota (two cases), New Hampshire (two cases), New Jersey (two cases), New York (13 cases), Oregon (one case), Pennsylvania (three cases), Tennessee (one), Texas (one), Vermont (three cases), Washington (four cases), and Wisconsin (two cases). To read the FDA press release, click here.