Three Quaker Cereals Squares recalled over suspected salmonella contamination issues

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on Thursday urged the public not to consume several kinds of imported cereal products, as the products may have been contaminated with Salmonella, a harmful pathogen.

The affected products are three Quaker Oatmeal Squares cereal flavors: honey nut, cinnamon, and original, produced in the United States in 14.5-ounce packets, with the best-before dates ranging from January 11 to October 1 2024 and imported by PepsiCo Beverages (HK) Ltd.

A spokesman for the CFS said that through the Food Incident Surveillance System, they noted a notification from the Food and Drug Administration of the US that the above-mentioned products might have been contaminated by Salmonella.

Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation found that PepsiCo Beverages (HK) Ltd. had imported the affected products into Hong Kong.

The importer concerned has stopped sales, removed the affected products from the shelves, and initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer at 2236 5480 during office hours to inquire about the recall.

The spokesman said that a salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly, and persons with weak immune systems could be more severe and may even lead to death.

The spokesman also urged consumers not to consume the affected products if they have bought any. Businesses should also stop using or selling the products immediately if they possess them.

The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing