We have a right to expect the food we eat to be safe. The American food industry is subject to strict regulation to protect consumers. However, a long history of mass food poisoning outbreaks in the United States in recent years shows this is not always the case. In the most recent public health alert, Honey Smacks cereal caused a salmonella outbreak.
At least 130 cases of salmonella were confirmed in 36 states including Georgia since the outbreak was announced over the summer, CBS reported.
Manufacturers announced a recall in June. The number of people affected by salmonella has steadily increased since that time.
Honey Smacks caused a salmonella outbreak
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pulled no punches in its advice to consumers and sellers. It warned them not to serve, eat or sell Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. The CDC stated:
“Do not eat any Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. This advice applies to Honey Smacks in any size package and with any ‘best if used by’ date.”
At least two of the people who developed salmonella after eating Honey Smacks were from Georgia, Atlanta Patch reported.
The CDC said of the initial 73 people infected in the summer, 24 were hospitalized.
The Kellogg Company announced a recall of all 15.3 oz. and 23 oz. packages of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal with a “best if used by” date from June 14, 2018, through June 14, 2019.
Salmonella is a serious condition that can be deadly. The bacteria live in the intestinal tract of humans and animals and is excreted in feces, according to Medicine.net. Eggs, Poultry, beef and milk, may contain the salmonella bacteria. It is linked to contaminated dairy food such as raw milk and eggs but may also be found in fruit and vegetables and other products.
Earlier this year, the CDC announced a multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to contact with backyard chickens. Pre-cut melons were linked to a salmonella outbreak that affected at least 60 people in five states over the summer.
Salmonella outbreaks can be deadly. Elderly people and children are most at risk. A massive salmonella outbreak in peanut butter in 2008 and 2009 was linked to poor hygiene at a factory in Georgia operated by the Peanut Corporation of America. More than 700 people were sickened and nine died.
If you or a family member was sickened by a contaminated product, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against a manufacturer, a retailer or a distributor. Please contact our Georgia personal injury law firm for help.