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Salmonella Toll Hits 666 Sick— and Climbing

9 killed in outbreak; Peanut Corp cited in all 'clusters of infections'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 25, 2009 6:30 AM CST

(Newser) – Peanut-linked salmonella has sickened 666 people and counting, despite a massive food recall, Reuters reports. The illness has killed nine. “To date, 19 clusters of infections in five states have been reported in schools and other institutions,” said a health official. “King Nut brand peanut butter was present in all facilities.” King Nut and all tainted peanut butter has been traced to now-bankrupt Peanut Corporation of America.

“To date, more than 2,100 products in 17 categories have been voluntarily recalled by more than 200 companies, and the list continues to grow,” said the FDA.

An Early County Sheriff's car leaves the parking lot at the the Peanut Corporation of America processing plant in Blakely, Ga., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.
An Early County Sheriff's car leaves the parking lot at the the Peanut Corporation of America processing plant in Blakely, Ga., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
Three-year-old Jacob Hurley joins his father, Peter Hurley, in Washington, where he testified that Jacob had been sickened from tainted peanuts, Feb. 11, 2009.
Three-year-old Jacob Hurley joins his father, Peter Hurley, in Washington, where he testified that Jacob had been sickened from tainted peanuts, Feb. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Mary Tock checks for peanut products at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the city's clearinghouse for nearly 600 local food banks, in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2009.
Mary Tock checks for peanut products at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the city's clearinghouse for nearly 600 local food banks, in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Feb 26, 2009 6:59 AM CST
Don't tell Bobby Jindal, He'll start the exorcisms.
Doctor-Zaius
Feb 25, 2009 7:00 PM CST
But I thought regulation was bad for business and big corporations would self regulate and everything would be just dandy?
Guest
Feb 24, 2009 9:15 PM CST
A nice round number...if you're Satan.

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