Public health officials warn consumers of contaminated cereal

By Globe Staff

State public health officials, noting that two people have already fallen ill, are asking people to take a look at their cereals to make sure they're not eating brands that could make them sick because those brands are contaminated with the salmonella bacteria.

The Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this month that Malt-O-Meal was voluntarily recalling its unsweetened puffed rice and puffed wheat cereals with "best if used by" dates ranging from April 2008 to March 2009 because of potential salmonella contamination.

The product was distributed nationally, both under the Malt-O-Meal brand and under other brand names, including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, Shoprite, Tops, and Weis Quality.

State public health officials said they found the products selling at Massachusetts retail stores, including under the Shaw's and Hannaford brand names.

While stores have removed the products from their shelves, consumers should throw out any of the cereal they find or return it to the store for a refund, the Department of Public Health said in a statement.

The 34-year-old Barnstable County woman and the 18-month-old Bristol County baby whose illnesses were linked to the cereal are now recovering, the department said.

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