IS KELLOGG'S CEREAL SAFE TO EAT?

The giant food manufacturer, Kellogg, has been put on notice by the FDA for bacterial contamination at its Atlanta, Georgia plant, and told to quickly clean up its act (see previous blog). And, some 21 months ago, the same bacteria - Listeria monocytogenes - was found in its Augusta, Georgia plant. I notice from the incoming searches on this blog that people are wondering whether Kellogg's cereals are safe to eat. Mothers of young children are particularly concerned - and sensibly so.

As far as I know, these two bad cases of food plant contamination took place at company plants which did not manufacture cereal. The 2009-2010 incident was at a plant that made Eggo waffles and some other frozen foods. The current one is at a plant that makes Famous Amos and Keebler cookies. Cereal manufacture involves a different process and different types of equipment and plant conditions. This is such a big company, it has multiple plants.

Yes, there was a huge recall of Kellogg's cereals just about a year ago, when consumers noticed an odd smell and taste in several of the cereals. In all, some 28 million boxes of Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks cereal were recalled worldwide. The cause was chemical - not bacterial. (You can't smell or taste bacteria.) In this case, the wax paper liners used in cereal packaging were releasing hydrocarbons, including methyl naphthalene. We don't know much about how this chemical affects health, and reportedly the levels were pretty low. Kellogg made sure that the problem will not occur again by recalling all the affected products and destroying the remaining toxic packaging materials. The FDA was satisfied with actions taken.

As for bacteria turning up in a cereal plant - yes, in theory it can happen. If it did occur, my money would be on Salmonella (which does well in dry conditions) rather than Listeria monocytogenes (which turned up in the two incidents mentioned). Personally, I would be more concerned about mold toxin contamination in cereal than bacteria. (I must remember to blog this).

As far as I know, there have been no reports of bacterial contamination of Kellogg cereal at least in recent years. So, you can assume that it is "safe to eat" from that viewpoint. But in food safety, the unexpected occurs, so I make no promises for the future.

To your good health,
TSF

KELLOGG IS IN TROUBLE WITH THE FDA OVER LISTERIA BACTERIA - AGAIN!

The FDA has sent a warning letter to Kellogg, giving it just 15 days to come up with a fool-proof plan to clean up its factory in Augusta, Georgia. The problem - Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The plant produces cookies - those delicious Keebler and Famous Amos ones. This bacterium was found in several spots along the production line, all of which come into direct contact with the cookies. The problem actually turned up earlier this year, and Kellogg promised to clean up the plant. It took a number of actions, but it still didn't pass the FDA's follow-up inspection.

This isn't the first time Kellogg is in trouble over Listeria, or has received a warning letter from the FDA. In September, 2009, the bacteria were found in Kellogg's Buttermilk Eggo Waffles manufactured at an Atlanta plant, which also produced frozen food products. This was also a case where Kellogg apparently made a huge effort to investigate the issue and clean up and sanitize the plant, but still failed the FDA follow-up inspection.

As other companies have found out, once bacteria are fairly wide-spread in a food manufacturing plant, it is often very difficult to get rid of - whether it be Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes. Plant workers can also be carriers without even knowing it. Listeria may be particularly tricky as it can survive and even multiply in the refrigerator. Did they look in there?

This is also an odd bacterium which may barely affect some people, but can be life-threatening to others. Pregnant women have to be especially careful, because they are much more likely to catch it, and it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery or illness of the newborn.

Symptoms to look out for: may include diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion and sometimes diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. A bit like the flu. See my earlier blogs for more on Listeria monocytogenes.

To your good health.
TSF