CDC: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. 

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. There have been 73 ill people reported from 31 states, including 24 people who have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from March 3, 2018 to May 28, 2018.

On June 14, 2018, the Kellogg Company recalled 15.3 ounce and 23 ounce packages of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. Recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal has a “best if used by” date from June 14, 2018 through June 14, 2019. The “best if used by” date is on the box top. Consumers should not eat and retailers should not serve or sell recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.

If you have recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal:
• Throw out the cereal or return it for a refund.
• If you store cereal in a container without the packaging and don’t remember the brand or type, throw it away.
• Thoroughly wash the container with warm, soapy water before using it again to remove harmful germs that could contaminate other food.

People get sick from Salmonella 12 to 72 hours after swallowing the germ and experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.  Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe.

Source: CDC