Kellogg's Recalls Cereals After Illnesses Due to Petrochemical Found in Packaging

July 14, 2010

The Environmental Working Group has reported that Kellogg's, makers of cereals and other food products, has recalled approximately 30 million boxes of cereal. A little understood petrochemical called methylnaphthalene, found in the packaging of these cereals, was responsible the recall. Customers became ill after smelling and ingesting the cereals.

The Environmental Working Group reports "Methylnaphthalene, which comes in two forms, is a component of crude oil and coal tar and may also be formed “as a pyrolytic byproduct from the combustion of tobacco, wood, petroleum-based fuels and coal,” according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The petroleum-based compound is produced in enormous quantities in the United States, and health agencies know very little about its safety, EWG scientists have learned." ¹

Certain boxes of Kellogg's Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops, and Apple Jacks are affected by the recall.

To read the full report, please visit the Environmental Working Group's website or the FDA's page on the recall.

References:

1. "Petrochemical Identified in Recalled Kellogg’s Cereals." Environmental Working Group. July 12, 2010, Accessed July 14, 2010. http://www.ewg.org/Petrochemical_Identified_In_Recalled_Kellogg%27s_Cereal