Cold Stone Creamery is voluntarily removing all cake batter products from its stores nationwide in response to reports in four states that these products may be associated with a health risk.

The company, headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., and the Food and Drug Administration said the cake batter products may be associated with outbreaks of salmonella.

The FDA had reports of 14 people becoming ill. Company spokeswoman Anne Christenson said all the people whose illness had been reported to the company were recovering.

The reports of illness occurred in Minnesota, Washington state, Oregon and Ohio.

The company said it is removing products containing cake batter from its stores nationwide and urged consumers who have cake-batter products at home to return them for a refund.

Sometimes Fatal Infections

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in small children, frail and elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.

People who feel they may have become ill as a result of eating these products should contact their health care provider.

Persons needing more information can call Cold Stone Creamery at 480-348-1704 or check the company Web site at http://www.coldstonecreamery.com.