WASHINGTON, Apr 14, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration said at least 23 people in 14 states were diagnosed with
salmonella poisoning caused by the same contaminated cereals.
FDA officials said a strain of salmonella was found in unsweetened Puffed Rice
and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals produced by Malt-O-Meal Co. That discovery
prompted an April 5 nationwide recall.
The products were distributed under the Malt-O-Meal brand name as well as under
private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant,
Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal
infections. Symptoms of food-borne salmonella infection include nausea,
vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
The FDA said it's working with Malt-O-Meal to determine the cause of the
contamination and with the states and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention to identify and prevent additional illnesses.
A list of the recalled products can be found at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International