Kellogg recalls 4 popular cereals with ‘waxy’ odor, flavor it says could make people sick

Kellogg recalls 4 cereals for odor, off flavor

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg Co. is voluntarily recalling about 28 million boxes of Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks cereals because a “waxy” smell and flavor coming from the package liners could make people sick, the company said Friday.

Kellogg spokeswoman J. Adaire Putnam said about 20 people have complained, including five who reported nausea and vomiting. The company said the potential for serious health problems associated with the cereal is low.

Putnam said the lining of the cereals’ boxes produced the off flavor and odor. Kellogg is trying to identify the substance on the liner that’s causing the problem.

The products were distributed throughout the U.S. and began arriving in stores in late March.

Kellogg’s shares were unchanged in midday trading.

Consumers concerned about the recall — or seeking a refund — can contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-801-4163 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

(This version CORRECTS Minor edits throughout. Corrects that some products were distributed more recently than March.)