Kelloggs Apple Jacks, Honey Smacks, Corn Pops and Fruit Loops Recalled

Bad packaging liners that may make people sick have resulted in a recall of about 28 million boxes of Kellogg’s cereals, including Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and Honey Smacks.

The Kellogg’s cereal recall was announced by the FDA and the manufacturer on June 25, 2010. The recall was issued due to what has been described as an uncharacteristic off-flavor to the cereal and a strange smell coming from the package liners.

Kellogg’s warned that the cereal may cause some sensitive people to suffer vomiting and diarrhea, but it was unclear whether people have fallen ill from food poisoning, or how many may have been affected. It is also unclear if the problem was first reported by consumers or discovered through quality control measures at the company.

Kellogg’s officials said in a statement on Sunday (pdf) that the problem is being caused by an elevated level of a resin used in the package liner that causes a waxy taste and smell. The company does not identify the substance, but says it is commonly used in food liners and to coat foods like cheese, raw fruits and vegetables.

The recall affects the following Kellogg’s cereals:

• Kellogg’s Apple Jacks in 17-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039136 1 and Better if Used Before Dates between APR 10 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Apple Jacks in 8-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039132 3 and Better if Used Before Dates between JUN 03 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Corn Pops in 12-5-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039109 5 and Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Corn Pops in 17.2-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039111 8 and Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Corn Pops in 9.2-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039116 3 and Better if Used Before Dates between APR 05 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Froot Loops in 12.2-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039118 7 and Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Froot Loops in 17-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039120 0 and Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Froot Loops in 8.7-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039125 5 and Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• Kellogg’s Honey Smacks in 15.3-ounce packages with a UPC code of 3800039103 3 and Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

All of the affected products will have the letters KN following the Better if Used Before Dates. Boxes with KM behind the dates are not affected by the recall.

“We apologize to our consumers and our customers and are working diligently to ensure that the affected products are rapidly removed from the marketplace,” said Kellogg Company President and CEO David Mackay. The company has also said that it is working with the supplier of the package liners to ensure that the problem does not occur again.

Any customers with questions or who would like to receive a replacement product for a recalled box of cereal may call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 1-888-801-4163.