The US Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that snack food Veggie Booty could be carrying salmonella and should be avoided.

The agency said in a statement that at least 52 persons in 17 states had become ill after eating the snack, marketed by New jersey-based company Robert’s American Gourmet. Most of the cases are children under 10.

“Almost all the illnesses have occurred in children under 10 years old, with the most cases in toddlers. Most persons had reported bloody diarrhea; four were hospitalized,” a statement from the FDA said.

“Veggie Booty is often consumed by children, so parents are encouraged to watch their children, and seek medical care if they observe signs of illness,” the FDA added.

Robert's American Gourmet said it had temporarily stopped producing and marketing the snack. The company is also recalling the product, which is sold in all 50 states and Canada.

Robert’s posted a message on their Web site saying: “Due to the serious nature of the health risk, Robert's has decided to temporarily stop the manufacture and sale of Veggie Booty only until test results can positively identify the source. We stand by our snacks and hope to resume making Veggie Booty shortly.”

Salmonella infection, characterized by diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, is especially dangerous in children and older persons, as well as in those with a weakened immune system.

The U.S. Centers for Disease control estimates that about 300,000 Americans are hospitalized with food-borne illnesses each year and 5,000 people die.