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Minnesota Salmonella Infection (Salmonellosis) Associated with Recalled Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat Cereal Recalled by Malt-O-Meal

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

Minnesota health and agriculture officials are investigating cases of illness in Minnesota that may be linked to puffed rice and puffed wheat cereal involved  in a Malt-O-Meal recall. At least 21 cases of Salmonella agona have been identified as associated with the Malt-O-Meal recall involving several brands, including Malt-O-Meal, Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw’s, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified one laboratory-confirmed case of Salmonella agona in the state that matches the genetic fingerprint of strain of Salmonella found in the cereal that was recalled April 5. 12 other state health departments have identified cases of the outbreak-strain of Salmonella agona.

On April 5, the Malt-O-Meal company issued a recall due to Salmonella contamination of unsweetened Puffed Rice cereals and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced during the past 12 months at its plant in Northfield. The recalled products have “Best If Used By” codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as APR0808) and March 18, 2009 (coded as MAR1809). Malt-O-Meal initiated the recall after its routine food safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product produced on March 24. The recalled cereal was distributed nationally and marketed under the Malt-O-Meal label as well as a variety of private labels, including Malt-O-Meal, Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops, and Weis Quality.

Anyone who has been ill with symptoms of salmonella after eating recalled product should consult their health care provider. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but can begin up to a week after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days, but approximately 20 percent of cases require hospitalization. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can lead to death, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

We have been contacted by a number of people who suspect they were sickened by the recalled puffed rice and puffed wheat cereal.  Our law firm has extensive experience with Salmonella cases.  To contact the firm about the puffed rice recall and puffed wheat recall, please call 1-888-377-8900, e-mail a Salmonella lawyer at our law firm or submit our  free case consultation form for review by a Salmonella lawyer.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on April 11, 2008 (boomark / email).