23 salmonella cases tied to peanut products in NJ

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - February 1, 2009 No deaths have been reported in the state, but nationwide, at least eight people may have died because of it and at least 529 have been sickened. More than 430 products have been recalled.

In New Jersey, Atlantic County remains the hardest hit, with five cases. Camden, Hudson, Morris, and Ocean counties each have reported two cases, with single cases reported in Bergen, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Salem, Union, and Warren.

Federal health officials have asked the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation into Virginia-based Peanut Corp. of America. The outbreak is believed to have started in its Georgia plant.

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