Malt-O-Meal Company Provides Additional Detail Regarding Voluntary Recall of Unsweetened Puffed Rice and Unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals Due to Possible Health Risk
MINNEAPOLIS--(Business Wire)--
Malt-O-Meal announced today that it is voluntarily recalling its
unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced
with "Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as
"APR0808") and March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809") because they may
have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled product was distributed nationally, marketed under
the Malt-O-Meal brand and as some private label brands including Acme,
America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn,
Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. A comprehensive
listing of impacted products can be found at
www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this
situation. All other Malt-O-Meal products are unaffected by this
action and are safe for continued sale and consumption. The products
affected by this recall represent less than one-half of one percent of
the company's annual production of ready-to-eat cereal.
"Our first and highest priority is the safety of the consumers who
use our products," said Malt-O-Meal President and CEO Chris Neugent.
"It's important that we spread the word about this situation quickly
and broadly in order to remove even the slightest possibility that
someone will consume something harmful. We apologize for this
situation and promise to do everything to complete the recall as
quickly as possible."
The recall was initiated after the company's internal routine food
safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product
produced on March 24, 2008. The company immediately commenced an
investigation to determine the root cause of this one positive finding
as well as the extent of any possible exposure. Initial results from
this follow-up investigation indicate that additional product may have
been exposed to this contaminant. Thus, out of an abundance of caution
to protect consumers, the company has chosen to voluntarily remove all
unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat products with
"Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") and
March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). Investigation into the source of
the Salmonella has determined a root cause of this situation and
corrective measures have been taken to ensure that there is no
reoccurrence of this issue.
Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of
symptoms and illnesses. According to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, persons infected with Salmonella may experience fever,
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances,
infection with Salmonella can result in more severe illnesses, some
potentially life threatening.
Consumers who have purchased any products covered by this recall
are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-665-9331.
Information regarding this recall, including images of the Malt-O-Meal
product packaging, also will be posted to the company's website at
www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.
"Malt-O-Meal has a strong food safety record and we are constantly
looking for ways to improve our products and procedures to exceed
industry standards," said Neugent. "We have a strong food safety
program in place throughout our operations, including our warehouse,
processing facility and distribution system."
Neugent noted that the company's on-going food safety precautions
include:
-- An industry-leading Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point
(HACCP) program
-- Sanitary practice monitoring system
-- Equipment disinfection program
-- Employee training and ongoing education programs
-- Microbiological testing of raw, in-process and finished
products
-- GMP training (Good Manufacturing Practices)
-- Recall program
The company also recently instituted an industry-leading program
to require its suppliers to provide proof of effective food safety
programs and the results of a third-party audit regarding those
practices.
"We will take any additional measures necessary to preserve our
customers' confidence in the safety and wholesomeness of the products
we offer to consumers," said Neugent.
Founded in 1919, the Malt-O-Meal Company is privately held and
headquartered in the IDS Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Malt-O-Meal, the Nation's fourth largest ready-to-eat cereal
manufacturer, supplies a full line of branded cereals and private
label cereals to the grocery industry. The company currently produces
30 different branded ready-to-eat cereals, three varieties of
Malt-O-Meal Hot Wheat cereal, and a full line of oatmeal products. The
company currently operates five production facilities and four
distribution centers around the U.S.
Malt-O-Meal
Consumer Affairs, 877-665-9331
www.maltomeal.com
or
Jon Austin, 612-839-5172 (Media)
jon@jaustingroup.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
