Salmonella linked to PB

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - State officials in Minnesota say the salmonella bacteria that has sickened nearly 400 people in Minnesota and 41 other states has been genetically linked to peanut butter.

Officials said Monday that lab tests have confirmed a match between the salmonella outbreak and the bacteria found in the peanut butter.

Last week, state health and agriculture officials announced that salmonella bacteria had been found in a 5-pound package of King Nut peanut butter at a nursing facility in Minnesota.

On Sunday, King Nut Companies of Solon, Ohio, recalled two brands of peanut butter after the salmonella finding.

The Minnesota Department of Health planned a news conference Monday afternoon to release further details.