As part of the ongoing salmonella investigation involving peanut butter, 29 types of protein bars, 35 brands of cookies, 14 types of dog biscuits and numerous other cakes, crackers, ice creams and other packaged foods have been recalled. The salmonella outbreak has sickened more than 500 people and contributed to the deaths of at least eight, according to the daily tally kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are hundreds of foods listed in the database of recalled products being kept by the Food and Drug Administration. As the list of recalled peanut butter products grows, it's difficult to know what you can do to avoid getting sick. In addition to checking the database, the FDA and CDC recommend that consumers:

• Not eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
• Consult a company’s Web site or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging when looking for  information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls. Keep in mind that information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by the FDA.
• Not consume products if you cannot determine if the peanut butter, peanut butter/peanut paste ingredient or institutionally-served peanut butter contains PCA peanut butter/peanut paste.
• Postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until more information becomes available about which brands may be affected.
• Consult your health care provider if you think you may have become ill from eating peanut butter.

Read more on the salmonella investigation and recalled products on our Safety blog.