Kellogg’s Recalling 28 Million Boxes of Cereal for Sickening Odor and Flavor

June 25, 2010

Kellogg Company announced today that the company is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to voluntarily recall certain breakfast cereals due to an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell coming from the liner in the package that has reportedly made some consumers ill.

Affected by the recall are Kellogg’s Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks distributed nationwide.

Only products with the letters "KN" following the Better If Used Before Date are included in the recall. The following UPC numbers are affected:

Kellogg’s® Apple Jacks®

• UPC 3800039136 1: 17 ounce package with Better if Used Before Dates between APR 10 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039132 3: 8.7 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between JUN 03 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg’s® Corn Pops®

• UPC 3800039109 5: 12.5 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039111 8: 17.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039116 3: 9.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between APR 05 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg’s® Froot Loops®

• UPC 3800039118 7: 12.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039120 0: 17 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039125 5: 8.7 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks®

• UPC 3800039103 3: 15.3 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg’s warns that although the potential for serious health problems is low, consumers should not eat the recalled products because they do not meet company quality standards. Consumers have reported they experienced nausea and diarrhea associated with the recalled products. Consumers with concerns should consult their health care provider.

"We apologize to our consumers and our customers and are working diligently to ensure that the affected products are rapidly removed from the marketplace," said David Mackay, president and chief executive officer, Kellogg Company.

Adaire Putnam, a spokesperson for Kellogg, told The Wall Street Journal that the company’s chemists are studying whether a wax-like compound in the packaging may be the cause.

Consumers who would like a replacement coupon may contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-801-4163.