PSA: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Honey Smacks Cereal
The CDC says throw it out and don’t buy it until further notice.
U.S. health agencies announced recommendations late last week that consumers should steer clear of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks of all sizes and expiration date batches. The cereal is likely responsible for the Salmonella outbreak that has so far sickened 73 people from 31 different states.
On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a voluntary recall of both 15.3-ounce and 23-ounce boxes of Honey Smacks with “Best By” dates of June 14, 2018 to June 14, 2019. The recall affected not only the U.S., but Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan as well.
According to Reuters, the recall entails “an estimated 1.3 million cases” of the breakfast cereal.
After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted the recall notice, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control expanded its recommendations on Friday.
“Do not eat Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal in any size package. Check your home for it and throw it away, or return it to the place of purchase for a refund,” the CDC advised. “Retailers should not sell or serve recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.”
So far no deaths have been reported, but 24 people have been hospitalized, with an illness window from March 3rd to May 28th. More recent illnesses have not yet been reported due to the time required to diagnose and “DNA fingerprint” Salmonella.
The CDC recommends disposing of any containers used to store Honey Smacks, or washing them with hot, soapy water to kill and remove germs.
Salmonella infection manifests itself from 12 to 72 hours after it is consumed. Anyone displaying symptoms that include diarrhea, fever and/or abdominal cramps should see a doctor. Salmonella infection can last from four to seven days.
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