WISCREPORT.COM (10/13/07) - State health officials are advising people not to consume frozen pot pie products that may be linked to 21 Salmonella illnesses in 14 Wisconsin counties.

The recalls involve some products with the following brand names: Banquet, Albertson’s, Food Lion, Great Value, Hill Country Fare, Kirkwood, Kroger, Meijer, and Western Family.

All varieties of 7 ounce single servings bearing an establishment number P-9 or Est.1059 printed on the side are subject to the recall.

Out of the 21 illnesses in Wisconsin, eleven of the individuals were 19 years old or younger. Three people have been hospitalized, but there have been no deaths.

The counties where the cases have occurred include Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, Langlade, Marathon, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood.

On October 9, a ConAgra Foods company in Marshall, Missouri, voluntarily ceased operation due to reported illnesses linked to its products. However the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service continues its investigation to determine the source of contamination.

In addition, Wisconsin health officials will continue to monitor for additional cases, so watch for Salmonella symptoms, which typically appear 18 to 36 hours after exposure, but can occur as quickly as 12 hours - or as long as 72 hours - after exposure.

People exposed to Salmonella bacteria may experience mild to severe diarrhea, abdominal pains, fever, and occasionally vomiting for several days. Bloodstream infections are infrequent, but can be quite serious, particularly in the very young or elderly.

Most people with Salmonella will recover on their own, but it’s important to drink fluids to prevent dehydration. If you have any questions about your symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Salmonella is a bacterium that affects the intestinal tract, but can rarely affect urine, the bloodstream or other body tissues.

Salmonella is spread by (1) eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or (2) by direct or indirect contact with fecal material from infected people or animals.