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Recall Release
April 5, 2008
MALT-O-MEAL COMPANY INITIATES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF UNSWEETENED PUFFED RICE AND UNSWEETENED PUFFED WHEAT CEREALS
DUE TO POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
Minneapolis - (April 5) - Malt-O-Meal announced today that it is voluntarily recalling unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals with "best if used by" dates ranging from APR0808 (April 8, 2008) to MAR1809 (March 18, 2009) because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of symptoms and illnesses including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses, some potentially life threatening.
The recalled product was distributed nationally, marketed 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 affected products can be found at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
The recall was initiated after the company's internal routine food safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product produced on 3/24/08. The Company immediately commenced an investigation to determine the root cause of this test result as well as the extent of any possible exposure. Initial results from the follow-up investigation indicate that additional products may have been exposed to this contaminant. Thus, out of an abundance of caution to protect consumers, the Company has chosen to voluntarily remove from the market all unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals with the "best if used by" codes mentioned above. 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.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. All other Malt-O-Meal products are unaffected by this action and are safe for continued sale and consumption.
Consumers who have purchased products listed above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-665-9331.
Malt-O-Meal
2700 IDS Tower
80 S. 8th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Consumer contact:
Malt-O-Meal Consumer Affairs
877-665-9331
Media contact:
Jon Austin
612-839-5172
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