On June 28, 2007, Robert’s American Gourmet Food, Inc. announced a recall of all products and lots of its Veggie Booty Snack Food. The snacks have the potential to cause foodborne illnesses from Salmonella, but the investigation has not yet identified specific lots that may pose a greater risk.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it has received reports of 51 cases of Salmonella contamination across 17 states, all of which are related to the consumption of Veggie Booty. Five affected individuals were hospitalized and most of the reported cases are in infants and toddlers.

On July 13, 20007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the snack food was responsible for the outbreak of salmonella. There were 61 reports of people with the same strain of salmonella found in Veggie Booty snacks, the FDA added. On the heels of a Veggie Booty recall, the FDA is advising consumers not to eat the snack food.

Salmonella bacteria can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can also cause serious and potentially fatal infections in young children and frail or elderly people. In rare cases, a Salmonella infection can result in more severe illnesses like arterial infections.

The recalled Veggie Booty snacks were sold nationwide and in Canada through local distributors, internet sales, phone order, mail orders, and retail outlets. They were sold in flexible plastic foil bags in four-ounce, one-ounce, and one-half-ounce packages.

Customers should return the recalled Veggie Booty Snack Food to the store where they purchased it or throw it away. However, if the consumer has become sick from eating a portion of the snack, they may wish to keep the snack for evidence or further testing.

For more information, consumers may contact Robert’s American Gourmet at 1-800-626-7557.

Sources: “Robert’s American Gourmet Food, Inc. conducts nationwide recall of Veggie Booty because of possible health risk,” Food and Drug Administration Press Release, June 28, 2007; “Veggie Booty Snack Food identified in product recall,” Food and Drug Administration Press Release, June 28, 2007.