HONG KONG, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Center for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong advised people Wednesday not to consume certain batches of U.S. pistachio products which are suspected to have been contaminated with Salmonella.

    "We also appeal to the trade to stop selling the affected products," a CFS spokesman said.

    "The CFS has been in close contact with the U.S. authorities in regard to the Salmonella contamination incident in the country. We are also contacting local food manufacturers on whether they have used the concerned products. The CFS will continue to follow up on the latest developments and will collect samples of pistachio products for tests," the spokesman added.

    U.S. authorities said early this week the manufacturer concerned was recalling all pistachios and related products supplied by Setton Farms after Sept. 1, 2008, as a precautionary measure. The pistachios are suspected to have been contaminated with Salmonella.

    A total of 28 "Planters" products and eight "Back to Nature" products are affected.

    Salmonella is a pathogen that may cause food poisoning. The symptoms include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. The symptoms are more severe in infants and the elderly.