OMAHA, Neb. – ConAgra Foods Inc. has asked stores to stop selling potpies linked to a salmonella outbreak and is offering refunds for the turkey- and chicken-filled meals.

The company and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday defended their decision not to immediately recall the product.

ConAgra asked stores nationwide to pull the Banquet and generic brand chicken and turkey potpies after two East Coast grocery chains made their own choice to remove the product from their shelves.

The potpies made by ConAgra have been linked to at least 152 cases of salmonella in 31 states, including at least one in Maine. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 20 people have been hospitalized as part of the ongoing outbreak, but so far no deaths have been linked to the potpies.

The company and federal officials warned customers not to eat the potpies and to throw them away, and ConAgra is offering refunds.

Consumers who want a refund for their potpie should send the side panel of the package that contains the “P-9” location code to the following address: ConAgra Foods, Dept. BQPP, P.O. Box 3768, Omaha, Neb. 68103-0768.

Consumers with questions may call the company toll free at 1-866-484-8671.