Malt-O-Meal Company Initiates Voluntary Recall of Unsweetened Puffed Rice and Unsweetened...

Malt-O-Meal Company Initiates 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
unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals with
"best if used by" dates ranging from APR0808 (April 8, 2008) to
MAR1809 (March 18, 2009) because they may have the potential to be
contaminated with Salmonella.

Persons infected with Salmonella may experience a variety of
symptoms and illnesses including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella
can result in more severe illnesses, some potentially life
threatening.

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 affected products can be found at
www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.

The recall was initiated after the company's internal routine food
safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product
produced on 3/24/08. The Company immediately commenced an
investigation to determine the root cause of this test result as well
as the extent of any possible exposure. Initial results from the
follow-up investigation indicate that additional products may have
been exposed to this contaminant. Thus, out of an abundance of caution
to protect consumers, the Company has chosen to voluntarily remove
from the market all unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed
Wheat cereals with the "best if used by" codes mentioned above.
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.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this
issue. All other Malt-O-Meal products are unaffected by this action
and are safe for continued sale and consumption.

Consumers who have purchased products listed above 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.

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