Salmonella is a highly infectious disease that can cause all sorts of physical problems. Many people who get infected with this virus will experience many terrible side effects, including severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It’s typically spread via infected water or food. This is why health authorities keep a careful watch over possible sources of contamination. They need to do all they can to protect the public from infection. A Salmonella outbreak can quickly spread from one person to another and then from one state to another part of the country. Identifying the source of the contamination is crucial in order to stop it from spreading further. After a recent outbreak that spread to dozens of states, officials at the CDC have identified the source of the problem. They have provided much-needed advice about how to avoid potential contamination going forward.
Locating the Problem
Seventy-three people have officially been diagnosed with Salmonella according to published reports. They live in thirty-one states all over the country, including Massachusetts and Minnesota. Twenty-four people have been hospitalized as a result, but no one has died as of yet. Officials are hopeful they can prevent more people from getting sick and ideally avoid any deaths. The Salmonella outbreak apparently began in early March and continued until the end of May. As a result, state officials called for an official investigation into the cause of the problem. Officials at the CDC have spent time trying to determine where the Salmonella began and who was responsible for bringing it to the public sphere.
Cereal Found to be the Culprit
Kellogg’s is one of the leading providers of food for many households. Officials at the CDC have determined that this company is the source of the present Salmonella outbreak. The outbreak apparently began with their Honey Smacks cereal products. In response to the CDC’s investigation, officials at the company have issued an official recall of certain packages of cereal. The sizes that are being recalled are the thirteen-ounce and three-ounce sizes, as well as the twenty-three-ounce size. Consumers should look at the top and see the “best if used by” date. If they see one that dates from between June 14, 2018, and June 14, 2019, they should not eat the cereal or serve it to others. Instead, it’s best to bring it back to the store for a full refund. Some people may have Honey Smacks in the house. If the date of purchase is unclear, it’s best to avoid the possibility of getting sick due to potential contamination and throw it out as soon as possible. People should keep in mind that the investigation is ongoing and other sources of contamination are a possibility.
An Internal Investigation
After the problem was identified by the CDC, officials at Kellogg’s began an investigation of their own. They took a close look at the third-party contractors who produce the cereal for them and the American markets and many other countries around the globe, including Mexico and Tahiti. Officials at the company are doing all they can to prevent any further outbreaks and fully protect public health. They aim to make sure that every product they offer for sale poses no danger to consumers. Consumers who stored the product in a container should wash it completely after throwing the product out. They should also think about throwing the container out in order to make sure that no product that is potentially infected is left in their home. Such precautions can help make sure that every vulnerable member of the family is protected against possible problems from Salmonella.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Kellogg’s salmonella outbreak, contact Sadaka Law for help understanding any potential legal recourse you may have.