Breakfast Cereals Recalled by Kellogg's

If you or your children enjoy eating Kellogg’s cereal for breakfast, then it is important for you to be aware of a recent recall.  On Friday, June 25th, the Kellogg Company recalled 28 million boxes of breakfast cereal due to higher than normal amounts of chemicals in its package liners.

What prompted this massive recall?  Twenty people complained of a strong waxy smell and taste to the cereal.  Five of these people reported nausea and vomiting after eating the cereal.  Some simply described the cereal as stale.

The cereals that were recalled include Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks.  Kellogg Co. found the smell and taste to be linked to high concentrations of hydrocarbon chemicals including methyl naphthalene found in the wax used to line the boxes.

Methyl Naphthalene is often used in the wax coatings on cheese, raw fruits and vegetables.  It is not known what risks are involved when ingesting methyl naphthalene.  As a matter of fact, the environmental advocacy group Environmental Working Group has stated that Kellogg and the FDA should be called on to find out more about potential methyl naphthalene dangers.  The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the information it was given by Kellogg and will conduct a risk assessment following this review.

Kellogg Company stated that the amount of chemicals found in the box liners did not exceed a level thought to be dangerous.  They have assured the public that they are working with the supplier to ensure this will not occur in the future.

In January 2009 Kellogg Company recalled several Austin and Keebler peanut butter crackers due to an industry-wide issue concerning tainted peanut butter.  The supplier Peanut Corporation of America announced the peanut butter paste they supplied to Kellogg was potentially contaminated.

For more information on the current recall, visit Kelloggs Recall.