Thirty additional people fell ill after consuming salmonella-contaminated Kellogg’s Honey Smack cereal, bringing the total number of people who got sick to 130.
USA Today reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly urged the public to avoid buying and/or consuming Honey Smacks after yet another salmonella outbreak, which followed an earlier outbreak that began in March. CDC asked all retailers who sell the product to pull the cereal from its shelves and refrain from stocking any more boxes until the issue is cleared up.
Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal linked to 130 Salmonella infections in 36 states. The cereal was recalled and could make you sick if you eat it. Check your pantry for it and do not eat it. https://t.co/O0NEHJwtjP pic.twitter.com/i3QfmZdq3F
— USDA Food Safety (@USDAFoodSafety) September 5, 2018
In June, officials recalled 1.3 million boxes of cereals across 33 states in the U.S., and thought they had the issue under control. With the latest outbreak, additional states were added to the list, including Delaware, Maine and Minnesota, bringing the total affected states to 36.
Per Medical News Today, salmonella poisoning affects around 1.4 million people in the U.S. each year. Typical symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. People generally start experiencing symptoms within 12 hours to three days after eating food contaminated with salmonella.
CDC advises people to throw away any boxes of Honey Smacks or return it to the store purchased at for a refund.
“Do not eat any Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, regardless of package size or best-by date. Check your home for it and throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund,” CDC warned on Tuesday. “Since the last update on July 12, 2018, 30 more illnesses have been reported, bringing the total to 130 cases from 36 states.”
[Feature Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration]