Firm Press Release
FDA posts
press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the
firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested
parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Kellogg Company Announces
Precautionary Hold on Austin and Keebler Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich
Crackers
Contact:
Kellogg Consumer Response Center
888-314-2060
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
-- Battle Creek, MI -- January 14, 2009
-- Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of
putting a hold on Austin® and Keebler® branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich
Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter
Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.
FDA and other regulatory
agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus
of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be
caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers
that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter
sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation
has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer
illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is
taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its
control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers
and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials
complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as
to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety
is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg
Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of
caution."
While no additional consumer
action is necessary at this time, consumers with questions or who would like a
product refund can call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-314-2060.