CDC Says Popular Kellogg's Cereal Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, a popular Kellogg’s cereal has been linked to salmonella outbreaks across the United States.
Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, a sweetened puffed wheat cereal with the trademark green frog mascot on the red box, is being recalled across the country.
On July 12, the CDC posted the latest statistics on people infected with salmonella and urged people to avoid eating the cereal.
“OUTBREAK Update: 100 Salmonella infections in 33 states linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal,” the CDC wrote on Twitter. “Do not eat this cereal.”
OUTBREAK Update: 100 Salmonella infections in 33 states linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. Do not eat this cereal. https://t.co/G5WyEiWp5A pic.twitter.com/Fa8EF3izUu
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 12, 2018
The CDC stated the first case of illness was reported on March 3. The most recent infected individuals reported feeling symptoms on July 2.
The most common symptoms in people with salmonella include fever, cramps, or diarrhea within 12 to 72 hours of exposure.
Typically, symptoms last for four to seven days, according to the CDC.
Do not eat Honey Smacks cereal.
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That’s what the CDC is saying after a salmonella outbreak sickened at least 100 people. pic.twitter.com/yy6PAI4uL5— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 13, 2018
While most people improve without treatment, some may require hospitalization. Staying hydrated is key to fighting the infection, according to the CDC.
According to NPR, no deaths have been reported as a result of Honey Smacks salmonella contamination, but more than 30 people have been hospitalized.
Kellogg’s voluntarily recalled the product starting in mid-June.
The CDC has advised that boxes either be thrown away or returned to the retailer, regardless of expiration date.
The precise cause of how salmonella has ended up inside Honey Smacks is still under investigation.
In the meantime, retailers have been asked to pull the product from shelves, though not every retailer has been compliant, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
“The FDA has become aware that recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal are still being offered for sale,” the agency said in a statement.
“All Honey Smacks cereal was recalled in June 2018,” the statement continued. “Retailers cannot legally offer the cereal for sale and consumers should not purchase Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.”
If a retailer in your area is still selling the cereal, the FDA has asked consumers to report it to the FDA Consumer Complain Coordinator in their local region.
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