Recalls & Alerts
CDPHE Guidance for Cereal Recall-Related Phone Calls
By news release
Apr 16, 2008 - 10:29:29 AM

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, the FDA announced that at least 23 people in 14 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella serotype Agona infection that matches the strain of Salmonella found in recently recalled unsweetened puffed rice and unsweetened puffed wheat cereals produced by Malt-O-Meal.   Information about the recall and the corresponding illness can be found on the FDA and CDC websites:

FDA:   http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01819.html

CDC:   http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/agona/

As of Tuesday, April 15, 2008, Colorado has one reported case of Salmonella serotype Agona that matches the outbreak PFGE pattern.   The case resides in Arapahoe County.

This recall has generated phone calls from citizens who have the recalled product in their home and believe they became ill from consuming the product.   CDPHE is providing the following guidance to local public health agencies receiving these calls:

1)       Persons who think they may have become ill from eating cereal are advised to visit their health care provider.   CDPHE will NOT be testing stool from persons who believe they may have become ill from eating recalled cereal products.

2)       Persons who have recalled cereal are advised to avoid consuming it and throw it away or return it to the point of purchase for a refund.   CDPHE will NOT be testing recalled cereal from the general public.

Please contact the CDPHE Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program with any questions:   303-692-2700.