Salmonella Outbreak - Malt-O-Meal Recall

In case you haven't heard the news, here is something you need to know...

On April 5, Malt-O-Meal announced that it was voluntarily recalling its unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced with “Best If Used By” codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as “APR0808”) and March 18, 2009 (coded as “MAR1809”) because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled product was distributed nationally, marketed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and as some private label brands including Acme, America’s Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw’s, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality. A comprehensive listing of impacted products can be found at www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.

If you have this product in your house, with the dates mentioned, throw it out - immediately!!!

Speaking from first hand experience, salmonella is very serious. When my youngest was 2 1/2 there was an outbreak of salmonella at her daycare center. She caught it too and then proceeded to have the runs for 5 weeks straight. It was a very alarming and difficult situation. Keeping my daughter propertly hydrated was a big concern throughout.

The CDC was also in contact with us over this outbreak and indicated that my daughter would need two sequential tests free from salmonella before being allowed back in the daycare. We were constantly at the doctor's office getting her tested.

The source of my daughter's samonella was not fully identified though it was rumored that this case was not food based. Instead it was linked to what apparently is a common incident at daycares around the world - the innocent spread of fecal matter by a very young child.

Be aware - Salmonella can come back. Whether you've had salmonella or not take extra precautions with the food you eat and prepare. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling eggs or egg products. Avoid eating any thing with raw eggs in it - including raw batter (a typical source of interest for children).

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