St. Paul Business Journal -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has linked breakfast cereal recalled by Malt-O-Meal last week to a salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 23 people in 14 states. On April 5, Minneapolis-based Malt-O-Meal voluntarily recalled two products, including its unsweetened Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereals, when it found salmonella contamination in the cereals during routine testing. Both had a “best if used by” date between April 8, 2008, and March 18, 2009.
It is not known if any of those who fell ill were from Missouri. Dierbergs Markets and Shop ‘n Save both pulled the products from its shelves following the recall. An FDA spokesperson did not return a call seeking comment.
The products were sold under the Malt-O-Meal brand and under private labels such as Acme, America’s Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw’s, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.
Three consumers were hospitalized but no near-death situations were reported, the FDA said, urging consumers who may have purchased the products in question to either throw them away, or return them for a refund.
Dierbergs customers can return the products to any Dierbergs store for a full refund. Shop ‘n Save customers who have purchased the products may return the products to their local Shop ‘n Save store for a full refund or exchange.
