Salmonella is a bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals. The bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.

The FDA says the salmonella strain causing the current outbreak is a very unusual type called salmonella saintpaul. While it is rare, it is not more virulent than other types of salmonella.

View our interactive graphic explaining what salmonella is and how it can be avoided. Click Here.