Kellogg’s rolls out improved cereal bags after insects found in packs of Special K

The unfortunate find comes shortly after Kellogg’s Honey Smacks contaminated with Salmonella​​​ sickened at least 100 people in 33 US states in June this year.

On July 22, Facebook user Ifaa Insyiirah posted videos and pictures of live maggots and dead flies found in two bags of Special K Vanilla Almond cereal.

She posted a second video on July 25 showing another box of Vanilla Almond cereal containing live insects and what appeared to be a spider web.

In her post, she said the packs had been purchased at different stores.

Weakened packaging seal

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said preliminary investigations found the cause of the infestation was due to a weakened packaging seal, which had obviously opened during the distribution of the Special K cereals.

According to a Kellogg’s spokesperson, only a “small number”​ of cereal bag seals had been weakened.

“Our strong quality programs identified that a small number of cereal bag seals had been weakened and may open when mishandled during distribution.​

“We proactively addressed this issue and took corrective action and our food now has new improved cereal bags. There are no affected products on shelf,”​ the spokesperson added.

“All food, including cereal products, need good storage conditions to maintain or prolong its shelf life.  Improper storage or handling of the food along the entire supply chain could cause problems, including insect infestation,”​ the AVA added.