31 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Likely Linked To Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal

The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. Kellogg’s Honey Smacks sweetened puffed wheat cereal are a likely source of this outbreak…

Kellogg Company today announced it is voluntarily recalling 15.3 oz. and 23 oz. packages of Kellogg’s ® Honey Smacks ® cereal (with code dates listed below) because these products have the potential presence of Salmonella. No other Kellogg products are impacted by this recall.

Kellogg launched an investigation with the third-party manufacturer who produces Honey Smacks immediately after being contacted by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding reported illnesses.

According to the CDC, use or consumption of products contaminated with Salmonella may result in serious illness. It can also produce serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella can experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT

The affected product includes the following varieties distributed across the United States as well as limited distribution in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan. The BEST if Used By Date can be found on the top of the cereal box, and the UPC code can be found on the bottom of the box.

Fast Facts

• The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. Kellogg’s Honey Smacks sweetened puffed wheat cereal are a likely source of this outbreak.

• The CDC reports that 73 people in 31 states have become ill. There have been 24 hospitalizations and no deaths.

• Following discussion with FDA, CDC, and state partners, the Kellogg Company voluntarily recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. The recalled products were distributed across the United States including Guam and Saipan and internationally in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean and Tahiti. Consumers should not eat any of the recalled Honey Smacks cereal.

• The FDA’s staff has initiated an inspection at the facility that manufactures Kellogg’s Honey Smacks and is working quickly with the company to collect additional information.

• As this is an ongoing investigation, the FDA will update this page as more information becomes available, such as product information, epidemiological results, and recalls.

• Consumers who have symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most infections usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment, however some people develop diarrhea so severe that they need to be hospitalized.

What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?

The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. Epidemiologic and preliminary traceback evidence indicates that Kellogg’s Honey Smacks sweetened puffed wheat cereal is a likely source of this outbreak.

The FDA and CDC, along with our state partners contacted The Kellogg Company and as a result of discussions, the company has voluntarily recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks to prevent further distribution of potentially contaminated products. The recalled products were distributed across the United States including Guam and Saipan and internationally in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Tahiti.

There are 73 people ill with this strain of Salmonella in 31 states: Alabama (2), Arizona (1), California (5), Connecticut (3), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Indiana (3), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (5), Maryland (1), Michigan (4), Mississippi (1), Montana (1), North Carolina (3), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (3), New York (7), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), Rhode Island (2), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (2), Utah (1), Virginia (4), Washington (3), Wisconsin (1), West Virginia (3).The ages of the ill people range from less than one year to 87 (median 58 years) and 65% of cases are female. Reported illness onset dates range from 3/3/18 – 5/28/18. Among 55 with available information, 24 (44%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Recalled Products