Salmonella outbreak linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks

ATLANTA — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning in regards to a Salmonella outbreak linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal across multiple states. The Kellogg Company recalled the cereal from retailers last week.

As of Thursday, 73 people in 31 states, including Georgia, were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Mbandaka. Illnesses related to the outbreak were recorded as early as March 3 with ages ranging from less than one year to 87 years old. No deaths have been reported, but 24 people have been hospitalized.

According to investigation results, Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal is a likely source of the outbreak. Thirty of the 39 ill people interviewed reported eating cold cereal. Fourteen people reported reported eating Honey Smacks.

The CDC is asking consumers to throw out their Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, regardless of package size and “best by” date or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Even if some of the cereal has been eaten and no one got sick, the CDC advises purchasers to throw the rest out. For cereal stored in containers, wash the containers thoroughly with warm, soapy water after disposing of the cereal.

The investigation is currently ongoing.

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