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A peanut butter substitute is thought to be at the center of a multi-state E. coli outbreak.

Although no cases have been reported in Utah, products considered the likely source of the bacteria — I.M. Healthy brand soy nut butter and I.M. Healthy granola — are sold in stores across the state.

The outbreak now spans nine states, officials said. Sixteen people have been infected by the bacteria and eight have been hospitalized, five after developing a life-threatening type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome, commonly associated with E.coli.

No deaths have been reported, according to the Utah Department of Health.

Food inspectors from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food are contacting distributors about removing affected I.M. Healthy products from store shelves.

Department spokesman Larry Lewis said none of the items linked to the outbreak had been found in Utah until Wednesday, when they were discovered in three stores. Those products, being sold at two Smith's Food and Drug stores in south Ogden and another in south Salt Lake County, have since been removed, Lewis said.

The strain of bacteria found in this outbreak is the Shiga toxin-producing variety, considered the most serious type of E. coli.

Laine McCullough, epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), said the strain is particularly harmful to young children.

McCullough added that schools, day-care centers and similar facilities should check their inventories and dispose of any suspect products.

Health officials say common symptoms from the E. coli bacteria include stomach cramps, diarrhea, sometimes bloody, and vomiting, with most people recovering in about five to seven days.

Severe effects from the bacteria is more likely in young children and elderly adults, but anyone can be at risk for developing major illness.

"If anyone showed any of the symptoms of E. coli within a week of eating either product, they need to contact their healthcare provider and get tested," McCullough said.

kgifford@sltrib.com Twitter @kelgiffo