The growing list of peanut product recalls and two new cases of salmonella in Hawai'i prompted state officials to advise consumers yesterday to take extra precautions and to not eat a product if they have doubts.

Five cases linked with the nationwide outbreak of salmonellosis have been identified in Hawai'i. People affected range from 5 to 77 years old. One adult was hospitalized, said Larry Lau, the state's deputy director for environmental health.

Lau said he did not know the status of that person but said he presumed the adult had recovered. He also said other cases may have gone unreported as people decide to "ride out" the illness.

"With food (illnesses), we're sure we don't know all the cases," he said.

More than 2,100 peanut products in 17 categories have been voluntarily recalled by more than 200 companies, said Lynn Nakasone, chief of the Health Department's Food and Drug Branch.

"DOH is concerned that consumers are not aware how broad the recall of peanut products has become and urges everyone to check the product recall list thoroughly and often," Nakasone said in a news release.

Although none of the known Hawai'i cases have been linked to peanut products identified on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recall list, lab results show the illnesses in Hawai'i bear the same genetic fingerprint as the Mainland cases, Hawai'i officials said.

Lau said approximately 15 percent of the recalled items, including pet food, could be found in Hawai'i.

"We're also recommending that people wash their hands after handling pet food or pet treats," he said.

State health inspectors are visually checking stores shelves to ensure recalled products are removed. Lau said he couldn't say if recalled items were found.

"A lot of what we do is try to make sure the store gets the word," Lau said.