Minnesota health officials are investigating whether one case of salmonella poisoning identified in the state is linked to Malt-O-Meal's recall last week of unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals produced at its Northfield plant.
Another 21 cases of salmonella in at least 13 other states may also be linked, said officials from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Malt-O-Meal announced on April 5 that it was recalling the Puffed Rice cereals that had been produced in the last 12 months at the Northfield plant.
The recalled products have "best if used by" dates of April 8, 2008, to March 18, 2009.
The company launched the recall after routine safety testing detected salmonella in a product produced on March 24.
State health officials said anyone who has experienced symptoms of salmonella after eating the Malt-O-Meal cereals should consult their health care provider.
Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, and fever. They usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
Salmonella infections typically resolve in five to seven days, but 20 percent of cases can require hospitalization.
Rarely, it can lead to death, especially in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY
