Honey Smacks Cereal Recall: Salmonella Outbreak Hits Washington

BELLEVUE, WA - Kellogg's is recalling Honey Smacks cereal in 31 states because the popular breakfast food is now linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 70 people, including three in Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The Kellogg Company announced the recall on Thursday. The recall covers 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. The "best if used by" date is on the box top.

The recalled 15.3 oz. Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal has a UPC code of 38000 39103. The recalled 23.0 oz. Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal has a UPC code of 38000 14810. The UPC code is on the bottom of the box.

"Even if some of the cereal was eaten and no one got sick, throw the rest of it away or return it for a refund," the CDC warned. If you store cereal in a container and have discarded the packaging with the codes, just throw away any Honey Smacks cereal, the CDC advised.

Be sure to thoroughly wash the container "to remove harmful germs."

Illnesses began in early March and have been reported through late May. Of the 73 people infected with the outbreak strain, 24 were hospitalized, the CDC said. Illnesses were reported in 31 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, California and more. Click here to see the map of states included in the outbreak.

"In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the week before they became ill. Thirty of 39 people interviewed reported eating cold cereal. In interviews, 14 people specifically reported eating Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal," information from the CDC said.

This story was written by Patch reporter Kara Seymour

Image via CDC