CDC Advisory: Do Not Consume Any Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal
On June 14th, an initial recall notice was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning consumers that Kellogg Company was voluntarily recalling some boxes of the brand’s popular Honey Smacks cereal. Some of the cereal packages are believed to have been contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, ultimately causing a multistate outbreak. Kellogg’s initial recall only included specific boxes of its Honey Smacks cereal—the 15.3 oz. box, and the 23 oz. box—both with certain code dates displayed on them. Now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising consumers not to consume any Honey Smacks cereal manufactured by Kellogg’s, regardless of package size or expiration date.
CDC’s latest case count, dated June 15th, reports 73 illnesses and 24 hospitalizations in 31 states. No deaths have been reported.
According to FDA’s initial recall announcement, Kellogg launched an investigation with the third party manufacturer who produces Honey Smacks immediately after being contacted by FDA and CDC regarding reported illnesses.
Based on epidemiologic evidence, health officials were able to determine that Salmonella Mbandaka is the bacterial strain that has sickened the 73 people. The traceback investigation does indicate that Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal is a likely source of the multistate outbreak.
Kellogg is asking that people who purchased potentially affected product discard it and contact the company for a full refund. Consumers seeking more information, including images of these products, can visit kelloggs.com/honeysmacksrecall or call 1-800-962-1413 from Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET.
No other Kellogg’s products have been impacted by this recall. This investigation is ongoing. FDA and CDC will provide additional details as more information becomes available.
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