Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice Cereal Recall due to Salmonella Food Poisoning

By Austin Kirk
Posted April 13, 2008

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A recent Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereal recall, which was issued last week after it was discovered that Salmonella was in the products, has already caused at least 23 serious illnesses in 14 states. The FDA confirmed that the cases of Salmonella food poisoning were caused by salmonellosis, which is the same strain of the bacteria found in the recalled cereal made by Malt-O-Meal. Hundreds more may have been sickened without reporting it to health officials. The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential cereal recall lawsuits for individuals who required medical treatment for an illness which began after eating Puffed Rice or Puffed Wheat cereal.

>>INFORMATION: Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawsuits

Malt-O-Meal issued the cereal recall on April 5, 2008, after they discovered salmonella bacteria in some of their product which was produced on March 24, 2008. The recall applies to unsweetened Puff Rice Cereal and unsweetened Puffed Wheet Cereal with a “Best If Used By” date between April 8, 2008 (coded APR0808) and March 18, 2009 (coded MAR1809). The cereals were sold nationwide under the following brands:

• Malt-O-Meal Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• Acme Rice Puffs and Wheat Puffs
• America’s Choice Wheat Puffs
• Food Club Essential Choice Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• Giant Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• Hannaford Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• Jewel Rice Puffs and Wheat Puffs
• Laura Lynn Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• Pathmark Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice
• Shaw’s Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• ShopRite Puffed Rice Toasted and Puffed Wheat Oven Toasted
• Tops Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat
• Weiss Quality Rice Puffs and Wheat Puffs Cereal

Salmonella food poisoning is a serious and potentially fatal condition which can be caused when the bacteria contaminates food. Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While most healthy adults recover within a few days or weeks, the young, elderly and those with weakened immune systems could suffer more serious problems, including life-threatening infections if the Salmonella invades the bloodstream.

PUFFED WHEAT AND PUFFED RICE CEREAL LAWSUITS

The FDA has indicated that consumers should throw away any unsweetened Puffed Rice or unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereal in their homes with “Best By” dates between April 8, 2008 and March 18, 2009. However, if you, a friend or family member have suffered a severe illness requiring medical attention, you should consult with an attorney about a potential food poisoning lawsuit before disposing of the contaminated cereal. While a potential lawsuit is being investigated, the uneaten Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereal should be properly marked and stored so that no one else in the home eats it.

To have a potential cereal recall lawsuit reviewed, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.