Salmonella Outbreak Site Has History of Health Violatio...(to have reached its peak in December the...),Health

Most illnesses began after Oct. 1, 2008; those that occurred after Dec. 25 may not have been reported because it typically takes two to three weeks from the time a person becomes sick to the time the illness is reported, the CDC said.

While jars of peanut butter on store shelves appear to be safe, more than 200 peanut butter and peanut paste products from more than 40 companies have been recalled so far.

Peanut Corp., which has recalled all peanut butter and peanut paste produced at the Georgia plant since July 1, 2008, sells directly to institutions, food service providers, food manufacturers and distributors in many states and countries. Peanut butter and peanut paste are commonly used as an ingredient in many products, including cookies, crackers, cereal, candy, ice cream, pet treats, and other foods, the CDC said.

As of Monday, the FDA Web site listed these recalled products.

There is also a growing list of products determined to be safe from the recall at the American Peanut Council.

More information

For more on the outbreak, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCES: Jan. 26, 2009, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site; Jan. 26, 2009, The New York Times; Jan. 23, 2009, U.S. Food and Drug Administration update