State and federal agencies are conducting an active and thorough investigation into the recent Salmonella Typhimurium foodborne illness outbreak making headlines across the nation.

Symptoms and progress of infection
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours later. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

Although most people recover without treatment, severe illness may develop in vulnerable individuals such as infants, older adults, and people with impaired immune systems.

Origin of outbreak and sources of contamination
The source of the contamination was traced to a plant in Georgia which makes peanut butter and "peanut paste" sold to institutions such as long-term care facilities and cafeterias.

The peanut butter and paste are also used as ingredients in the manufacture of many other food products such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy, ice cream and sports and nutrition bars. As a result, the Georgia plant has recalled all peanut products produced since July 1, 2008 and has stopped further production.

Since January 16, 2009, companies using the peanut butter or paste have begun recalling their products because of potential Salmonella contamination.

Peanut butter in jars OK
Since the peanut butter wasn't sold directly to consumers, major national brands of jarred peanut butter aren't included in the recall.

Learn more about this nationwide foodborne illness outbreak and which foods have been recalled:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration All the latest information about the outbreak.
List of foods and brands that have been recalled
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information on the outbreak with advice to consumers.