Corporate & U.S. News

For consumer questions contact Consumer Service

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of FDA's ongoing investigation of a peanut paste supplier, Peanut Corporation of America, regretfully, the FDA has advised Kellogg Company that Salmonella was found in one package of Austin® Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter. This product had previously been recalled by Kellogg, in one of a series of industry recalls relating to Peanut Corporation of America's recall of peanut-based ingredients.

"We apologize to our consumers and customers, and we can't emphasize enough our disappointment and deep regret about this situation," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "The food industry upholds certain operating standards and we are proud that we exceed these standards in our facilities. Events of the last week suggest there was a breach in this supplier's process that is unacceptable to Kellogg, our customers and our consumers."

Mackay continued, "Based on our learnings from this experience and consistent with our 100-year commitment to quality and food safety, Kellogg will evaluate its processes to ensure we take necessary actions to reassure consumers and rebuild confidence in these products."

On January 14, customers and consumers were advised to hold certain products pending more information on the Peanut Corporation of America situation, and recalled those products on January 16. Kellogg has taken immediate steps to ensure prompt execution of its recall including engaging the assistance of a third party retrieval company to visit convenience, drug and other specialty outlets to remove product both from shelves and inventory. In addition, we have activated our sales force of several thousand employees to assist in these retrieval efforts. We continue to work closely with all of our customers who have been extremely supportive during this process. We will also be contacting foodservice operators who may have received product. Smaller foodservice and vend operators who may have affected product may call Kellogg at 877-869-5633.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy the product. Consumers with questions or who would like a refund may contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 877-869-5633. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their doctor.

Products impacted by the previously-announced Kellogg Company recall were produced on or after July 1, 2008, including:

Austin® Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

Austin® Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Austin® Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

Austin® Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches - all sizes

Austin® Quality Foods Super Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers

Austin® Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

Austin® Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

Austin® Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

Austin® Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

    Austin® Quality Foods Cookie/Cracker Pack
    Austin® Quality Foods Variety Pack
    Keebler® Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes
    Keebler® Toast & PB'n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers - all sizes
    Keebler® Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes
    Famous Amos® Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce)
    Keebler® Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5-ounce)

Kellogg Company does not use Peanut Corporation of America ingredients in any Kellogg products outside of those already recalled as listed above.

For a list of various company recalls and for more information on FDA's ongoing investigation, consumers should visit FDA's Web site at www.fda.gov. Consumers are also reminded to heed FDA's January 17 guidance to avoid eating all products made with peanut butter until they have more information on the cause of the Salmonella outbreak.

SOURCE: Kellogg Company

Web site: http://www.kelloggcompany.com/
http://www.fda.gov/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/483375.html /