New York-based Wegmans has recalled Turkish pine nuts sold in bulk at its upscale grocery stores after the nuts were linked to a salmonella outbreak in five East Coast states and Arizona.

Five thousand pounds of the pine nuts imported from Turkey were sold between July 1 and Oct. 18 at Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland. The retailer has placed automated calls to more than 13,000 customers who used the company's discount card to purchase the nuts, a company spokesperson said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that two people have been hospitalized and 40 others sickened starting in August. No deaths have been linked to the outbreak.

Salmonella bacteria causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Hospitalization may be necessary in cases of severe diarrhea.

The Food and Drug Administration said it is investigating the matter.