Tainted tempeh may be linked to salmonella outbreak A North Carolina tempeh maker is recalling packages of the soy product produced in the last four months because it may be contaminated with salmonella and linked to an outbreak that has sickened at least 37 people. Smiling Hara of Asheville, N.C., is voluntarily recalling 12-ounce packages of unpasteurized soybean tempeh produced between Jan. 11 and April 11. The containers are marked with a best-by date of July 11, 2012 through Oct. 25, 2012. Tempeh is a meat substitute used in vegetarian cuisine. "Anyone with this product in their possession should not eat it," North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a statement. Smiling Hara launched the recall after samples collected by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services during a routine inspection tested positive for salmonella. The North Carolina Division of Public Health is awaiting test results that will determine whether the strain of salmonella detected in the tempeh is the same strain detected in an outbreak of food poisoning associated that appears to be associated with living in or traveling to Buncombe County, N.C., after Feb. 28. Health officials urged residents to seek medical care if they've consumed the tempeh and develop symptoms of salmonella poisoning, including diarrhea, fever, headache and cramping that usually begins one to 10 days after exposure. The infection typically lasts four to seven days, but can last longer. In some cases, people may be hospitalized. More cases of salmonella poisoning may be detected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that for every case actually reported, 29.3 cases actually occur. Using that multiplier, as many as 1,084 people may have become ill. Should you be grossed out by 'meat glue?' 200 now sick in salmonella sushi outbreak First lawsuit filed in salmonella sushi outbreak