Story highlights Four cases of salmonella are potentially linked to nut butters from nSpired Natural Foods

The company has issued a voluntary recall

Customers are advised to dispose of any remaining product

The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that nSpired Natural Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling several lots of peanut, almond and other nut butters on fears of salmonella contamination. The company was made aware of the risk after routine testing showed a potential link between consumption of these products and four instances of illness.

The affected products include Arrowhead Mills Peanut Butters, MaraNatha Almond Butters and Peanut Butters and specific private label nut butters sold under the Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Kroger and Safeway brands.

A complete list of products involved in the recall can be found on FDA.gov . The company is working with consumers and retailers to remove inventory from retail shelves and warehouses. The products were sold in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Dominican Republic and online.

Customers are being advised to dispose of any potentially affected containers of nut butter and contact the company directly at 1-800-937-7008 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT for a replacement or refund.

A 2012 recall because of Salmonella Bredeney in peanut butter produced by Sunland Inc. resulted in 42 cases of illness and the eventual closure of the company after filing for bankruptcy.

JUST WATCHED Government closes peanut butter plant Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Government closes peanut butter plant 02:33

Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Don't wash – Levi's CEO Chip Bergh said this week that he doesn't recommend washing jeans. Like, ever. Here are a few other things you can get away with not washing regularly, and some you should never skip. Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Wash –

Source: NIH Bacteria can collect on the skin of fruits and vegetables. So even if there is an outer layer you'll be peeling off, you need to wash it thoroughly to prevent transmission to the part you're eating. Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Don't wash –

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology suggests daily washing if you have naturally oily hair. The good news: as you get older your body produces less oil.Source: American Academy of Dermatology Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Wash –

Source: The single easiest way to stay healthy is to wash your hands. It's that simple. Anti-bacterial products work in a pinch, but the good old-fashioned stuff works best.Source: CDC Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Don't wash (daily) –

Source: Children don't need to take a bath every day -- though there are exceptions, like if they play outside in the dirt or go swimming.Source: American Academy of Dermatology Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Wash –

Source: Dust mites love to eat the dead skin that comes off when you sleep. Many people are allergic to these delightful creatures, and washing your sheets weekly in warm water reduces your allergen exposure.Source: NIH Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Don't wash – NIH Bacteria that lives in meat, poultry and fish can mess with your GI tract. Food-borne illnesses include Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes Source: USDA Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: What you can skip washing -- and what you can't Don't wash –

Source: If a bag of salad is labeled as "washed," "triple washed" or "ready-to-eat" it really is OK to eat as it has met labeling standards for being cleaned (unless the label says otherwise).Source: California Department of Public Health Hide Caption 8 of 8

The CDC reports that people in a normal state of health who ingest Salmonella-tainted food may experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, which typically begin within 12 to 72 hours. This may be accompanied by vomiting, chills, headache and muscle pains.

These symptoms may last about four to seven days and then go away without specific treatment, but left unchecked, Salmonella infection may spread to the bloodstream and beyond. It can cause death if the person is not treated promptly with antibiotics.

Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune symptoms should practice extreme caution.

About 48 million people contract some form of food poisoning each year, according to the CDC.

Salmonella was the top cause of foodborne illness, according to the CDC's 2012 report card on food poisoning. However, the overall incidence of Salmonella was unchanged from the 2006-08 data, the agency said. The report card is based on reports from 10 U.S. regions, representing about 15% of the country.