Salmonella causes illnesses in 14 states
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 .
Copyright 2008 by United Press International