The number of people affected by the recent salmonella epidemic, which originated from plants owned by Peanut Corporation of America, rose to 683 — nine of which resulted in death.
More than 2,100 peanut butter and peanut products have been voluntary recalled by 200 different companies because of the outbreak, which has sent 23 percent of its victims to the hospitalized.
The average age of people affected is 16, although cases range from age one to 98. Forty-six states have been affected by the salmonella outbreak, but Louisiana has remained salmonella-free. University students are advised, however, to check national product recall lists to make sure their peanut butter products are safe to ingest.—-Contact Natalie Roy at [email protected]