(Photo : Image by flockine from Pixabay )

Peaches are being studied for a potential link to the salmonella outbreak that affected 68 people in nine states, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The bagged peaches were from the Wawona brand name, reported CNN. They were sold in 2-pound clear, plastic bags at ALDI stores in 16 states starting June 1.

FDA said in a news release that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the peaches as the likely source of the salmonella outbreak.

"FDA's traceback investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of product distribution and source of contamination," the news release read.

So far, there have been 14 reported hospitalizations with no deaths.

It can be recalled that onions were also linked to a salmonella outbreak a few weeks before.

Target, Aldi Recalls Peaches

ALDI stores have freely recalled the peaches in several states.

Salmonella infections are being reported from Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Target also announced a recall of fresh peaches on its website. They linked their recall to a Minnesota state health news release.

"Following guidance from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Department of Health, we've removed Wawona Packing Company peaches from all of our stores, including peaches sold individually, by the pound and in two-pound bags," the retailer said in a statement sent to USA TODAY.

They also said consumers could call their guest relations for a full refund. Refunds will be given as a Target gift card.

No proof of purchase is needed to get a full refund. "We're working to resupply our stores with peaches that are not subject to this recall as soon as possible for our guests," Target said.

Minnesota has the biggest number of salmonella cases with 23 patients, followed by Michigan at 17 cases. Both Iowa and New York has eight cases each, while New Jersey has four.

Virginia and Wisconsin have three cases each while there is one case each for Maryland and Pennsylvania.

CDC Issues Alert

CDC issued a food safety alert on salmonella. They noted that many ill people report purchasing bagged peaches from ALDI stores in several states.

In the meantime, as the agency is still investigating the products in question, they issued some reminders to consumers, retailers and suppliers.

Peaches from ALDI stores had to be thrown away immediately, CDC said. This will include purchases from grocery delivery service Instacart.

CDC also urged everyone to clean and sanitize all surfaces that may have come in contact with the peaches. Retailers were also warned not to serve peaches from the said stores.

If people experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, they are showing signs of the infection. These symptoms will arise six hours to six days after infection.

People typically get sick for as long as four to seven days, but most recover without treatment.

CDC urged people to report to health officials if they fall ill. Patients will likely be interviewed by the health department to determine what foods they consumed before they got sick.

CDC asked people to cooperate with officials on the matter.

Check these out!

Red Onions Possibly Cause Salmonella Outbreak in 31 States
Salmonella Bacteria Spreads: 23 States Already Affected
LA Sees Decline in Latino Coronavirus Deaths