Story highlights 12 people, 11 of them children, in five states have become ill

I.M. Healthy recalls its soy nut butter while health officials investigate the outbreak

(CNN) Twelve people in five states have become ill from E. coli, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

All but one of the individuals is under age 18, and six of them have been hospitalized. Four of the hospitalized patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. It can be life-threatening, although most people recover within a few weeks.

I.M. Healthy has recalled its Original Creamy SoyNut Butter.

Health officials identified I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter as the likely cause of the outbreak. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are working with state and local officials to further investigate.

I.M. Healthy has issued a voluntary recall of its Original Creamy SoyNut Butter with a freshness date of August 30 or 31, 2018.

"CDC recommends that consumers do not eat, and childcare centers, schools and other institutions do not serve, any I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter or I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter," the CDC said in statement.

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