The U.S. government report says that microwaveable potpies were the real culprit for a salmonella outbreak that victimized several US states during the last year.

The report has been published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 26th Nov. issue.

There were 401 cases of salmonella in 40 states because of that outbreak and almost 32 % of these people had to get hospital treatment. Investigation revealed that Banquet’s frozen microwavable potpies were the source of the outbreak.

The report also shows that almost 77% (who got illness) had cooked these potpies in microwaves and confusion in understanding of microwaving instructions became the cause of potpies’ improper cooking. ConAgra Foods Inc., the maker of these potpies had to recall nine brands of the potpies during October 07.

Some other microwaveable foods like frozen chicken breasts and nuggets have been associated to other salmonella outbreaks. The CDC report says that many of these products need just warming, but there are some raw ingredients that need to be cooked fully.

Microwave ovens do not heat all the parts of food equally and some parts can remain half-cooked or less heated than the other parts. Manufacturers of these food items must offer mention cooking instructions clearly so that the consumers may be able to know about the possible health risks and cook these items in a proper way, the CDC says.