Source: Xinhua

02-25-2009 11:25

BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The list of human and pet foods recalled in U.S. due to possibly contaminated products containing peanuts has grown to over 2,300, according to media reports Thursday.

The list of recalled products continues to grow every day as a result of contamination at the Blakeley, Georgia, Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) peanut processing plant. The list now includes eighteen categories of recalled products made by more than 200 companies.

Some of the more surprising categories include "Dressing and Seasoning Products," "Fruit and Vegetable Products," and "Pet Food Products." The complete list of categories and specific foods recalled can be found on the of website U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The salmonella contamination can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. To date more than 600 people nationwide have become ill and nine have died.

The FDA's investigation started in mid-December 2008 and by mid-January it had isolated the point of contamination to PCA plant in Georgia.

On Jan. 13, PCA announced a voluntary recall of 21 products produced at the factory on or after July 1, 2008. By Jan. 28, PCA expanded the recall to include all dry- and oil-roasted peanuts and peanut products and they stopped all production at the Georgia facility. Since that time PCA has closed its other plants in Texas and in Virginia.

 

Editor:Qin Yongjing