BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — The Kellogg Co. late Wednesday said it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on several varieties of peanut butter crackers sold under the Austin and Keebler brands. Although it has not found any problems or received complaints about the products, Kellogg said the move was made because it receives its peanut paste from the Peanut Corporation of America, which late Tuesday issued a recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Ga., processing facility due to Salmonella concerns.

As part of its action, Kellogg has put a hold on any inventory in its control, removed product from retail store shelves, and encouraged customers and consumers to hold and not eat the peanut butter cracker products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of P.C.A. and Kellogg provides further information.

"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and chief executive officer, Kellogg. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."

Lynchburg, Va.-based P.C.A. recalled 21 lots of peanut butter sold in bulk to packaging distributors for institutional and food service industry use. It is sold under the Parnell’s Pride and King Nut brand names.

It is suspected the peanut butter is responsible for a national outbreak that has sickened more than 430 people in 43 states. King Nut Co. already issued its own recall of the products.