Several batches of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has spread across 31 states. The latest reports count at least 73 infected people, among whom 24 have needed hospitalization. Details of the outbreak have been reported through various news media including an ABC News Report.
The reports state that Kellogg has called for the recall of their Honey Smacks cereals. These particular cereals come in a size of either 23 or 15.3 ounces along with an expiration date (“best if used by”) from June 14 of 2018 to June 14 of 2019. The Centers for Disease Control has also urged consumers to either throw away or return their cereals if they are covered by the recall.
Causes of the Recall
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the preliminary evidence unearthed by their investigation has linked these particular cereals to the multi-state salmonella outbreak. The ongoing investigation has also involved a visit to the manufacturing facility in which the affected cereals were produced. The FDA also concurs with the CDC and the Kellogg Corporation to recall the particular cereals from the shelves of retail stores.
Reports have come in of people contracting salmonella as early as March, and additional accounts poured in continuously until the end of May. The victim varied in age ranging from infants to 87-year-old senior citizens. No fatalities have yet been reported. The investigators interviewed 39 of the victims, and 14 of them specifically named Honey Smacks as the cereal they consumed.
The Dangers of Salmonella and Food Poisoning
Salmonella comes in several strains, and this latest outbreak involves the strain known as “salmonella mbandakas”. This particular strain’s symptoms typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after consuming the tainted food product. These symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever, and they can persist for up to 4 to 7 days.
Even without medical treatment most patients can recover naturally. But in some cases, the infection can become severe enough that hospitalization may be required. In these cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.
It’s this possibility of severe infection that makes it essential for anyone who suffers from salmonella to obtain medical attention as quickly as possible. Early treatment can help keep the infection from spreading, and the symptoms may be alleviated more quickly as well. You should also contact a local health agency so that they may be able to monitor the scope of any infectious outbreak.
What to Do
If you get sick after consuming a certain type of cereal, it is also important that you isolate and preserve the remaining cereal. The product should be checked by health investigators who can determine if it does contain any contaminant bacteria.
You should also consult a food poisoning lawyer with extensive experience in food poisoning cases, in order to determine if you can obtain damages to compensate for your trouble. Your lawyer can file a suit on your behalf.