POTPIES101007

Salmonella outbreak results in pot pie warning

State health officials are warning consumers not to eat Banquet brand pot pies as a result of a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota and 29 other states.

By Maura Lerner, Star Tribune

Last update: October 10, 2007 - 12:53 AM

State health officials are warning consumers not to eat Banquet brand pot pies as a result of a salmonella outbreak in Minnesota and other states that was traced to the company's products.

Officials say that six Minnesotans are among the 139 confirmed cases of salmonella food poisoning reported in 30 states since June. Three adults and three children were reported ill in September after eating Banquet turkey or chicken pot pies, the Minnesota Department of Health said Tuesday.

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping and vomiting, and can be particularly risky for infants and the elderly.

None of the six Minnesotans has been hospitalized, the department said. Five of the six cases are from outstate Minnesota, and one is from the Twin Cities area.

ConAgra Foods Inc. voluntarily stopped production Tuesday at the Missouri plant that makes the pies.

ConAgra officials believe the pies are safe if they're cooked properly, but the Omaha-based company told consumers Tuesday not to eat its chicken or turkey pot pies until the government and company investigations are complete.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Childs said ConAgra is offering consumers refunds, but no recall was being planned.

Salmonella bacteria can be killed by cooking them thoroughly, the Health Department said. But in microwaves, the bacteria sometimes survive because of under- or uneven cooking.

"Consumers should always read the directions to make sure they are cooking the product properly," said Childs. She said pies need to be cooked longer in microwaves with less power.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. Maura Lerner • 612-673-7384

Maura Lerner • mlerner@startribune.com