Press release from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
Inspectors with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are issuing a warning to consumers to not purchase or consume Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal due to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka. The outbreak has spanned 33 states with more than 101 cases of infections, at least four of which are in North Carolina.
“We are concerned we continue to find this product offered for sale. The product was originally recalled by Kellogg’s in June,” said Joe Reardon, assistant commissioner of consumer protection. “This week our Rapid Response Team activated, and inspectors have found the product at one out of every 10 grocery stores during routine recall-effectiveness checks. We are urging consumers to NOT purchase or consume this product. Inspectors have placed stop sales on products found in grocery stores. However there may be more out there and we are continuing to check.”
The CDC recommends that consumers do not eat any Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal. The FDA has also issued a statement that retailers cannot legally offer the cereal for sale and should throw out 15.3-ounce and 23-ounce boxes.
“It is important to pay attention to recalls,” Reardon said. “If you hear of a product being recalled, check your pantry to make sure you do not have the product in stock. Our inspectors will continue to conduct recall-effectiveness checks for this product and others that have been recalled. Consumers can help by keeping themselves informed.”
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments. People exhibiting any symptoms after having consumed this product should contact their healthcare providers. Consumers can find more information online at kelloggs.com/honeysmacksrecall or call 1-800-962-1413.
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