Kellogg’s Just Issued A Nationwide Recall On Honey Smacks Due To Salmonella

If you’re a fan of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal and just picked a box or two up, you may want to inspect those boxes. It’s possible they’re part of a multi-state recall in effect right now.

The FDA and Kellogg’s are working together on a voluntary nationwide recall following reports of Salmonella Mbandaka illnesses linked to the cereal. Honey Smacks is the only type of cereal affected so far, with boxes with expiration dates between June 14, 2018 and June 14, 2019 under the recall.

According to warnings from the CDC and FDA, 73 people across 31 states have gotten sick as part of the outbreak so far.

In terms of distribution, the Honey Smacks involved in the recall were distributed nationwide, along with limited releases in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the Caribbean, Guam, Tahiti and Saipan.

To check if your cereal box is one of those that could be potentially contaminated with Salmonella, check the UPC code right underneath the barcode on the packaging. If the code matches one of the two in the above Facebook photo, Kellogg’s is recommending that you discard it immediately.

Salmonella is one of the top five common foodborne pathogens that contaminates US food products. Most healthy people that ingest it will experience symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, but it can be serious or even fatal in young children, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems. Most people recover within a week without need of treatment, however.

Currently, the FDA has linked Honey Smacks to the potential multi-state outbreak of Salmonella, which is why the voluntary recall was put into effect. Kellogg’s began an investigation with their third-party supplier who makes the cereal right after being contacted by the FDA and CDC, according to a press release.

For those who purchased a box of Honey Smacks that may be contaminated, Kellogg’s is offering a refund.