Date of Recall:
April 5, 2008

Products Recalled:
Malt-O-Meal brand and Various other brands Unsweetened Puffed Rice and Unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals

Product Information:
The recalled products have "Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") and March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). 

The recalled products were distributed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and as some private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.  A comprehensive listing of impacted products can be found at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo .

Recalling Firm :
Malt-O-Meal Company
Minneapolis, MN

Consumers with questions about the recalled product may contact the company at (877) 665-9331.

Problem/Reason for Recall:
The recalled products may be contaminated with Salmonella.  Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.  Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.  In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more serious illnesses.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this situation.  All other Malt-O-Meal products are unaffected by this action and are safe for continued sale and consumption.  The products affected by this recall represent less than one-half of one percent of the company's annual production of ready-to-eat cereal.

The recall was initiated after the company's internal routine food safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product produced on March 24, 2008.  The company immediately commenced an investigation to determine the root cause of this one positive finding as well as the extent of any possible exposure. Initial results from this follow-up investigation indicate that additional product may have been exposed to this contaminant. Thus, out of an abundance of caution to protect consumers, the company has chosen to voluntarily remove all unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat products with "Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") and March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809").  Investigation into the source of the Salmonella has determined a root cause of this situation and corrective measures have been taken to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of this issue.

Consumers who have purchased any products covered by this recall are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
 

Distribution:   Nationwide

Press Release:    Yes