Puffed cereal recalled after 23 people sickened in 14 states

At least 23 people in 14 states have been sickened with salmonellosis caused by the same strain of Salmonella found in unsweetened puffed rice and puffed wheat cereal recalled on April 5 by Malt-O-Meal, the Food and Drug Administration has announced. The Salmonella contamination was found during routine testing at a Minnesota plant that produces and packages dry cereals. Malt-O-Meal, based in Minnesota, is the nation's fourth largest ready-to-eat cereal manufacturer.

The recalled cereal was distributed nationally under the Malt-O-Meal brand name, as well as under private label brands including:

• Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant
• Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark
• Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops, Weis Quality

The cereals have "Best If Used By" dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") through March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). A full list of affected brands can be found on the Malt-O-Meal Web site.

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella. Most of those infected develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Malt-O-Meal on its Web site advises consumers who have purchased any cereal covered by the recall to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-665-9331. Information regarding the recall, including images of the Malt-O-Meal and store brand product packaging, can be found on the company's Web site at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.

The FDA said it is working with Malt-O-Meal to determine the cause of the contamination and also with the states and with the CDC to identify and prevent additional illnesses. Stores have been advised to remove the recalled cereal from their shelves but in case they haven't, consumers should be sure to check the "Best if Used By" codes (see image above) to ensure they are not buying a recalled product.