MINNEAPOLIS, April 14, 2008—The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified a case of Salmonella agona that matches the genetic fingerprint of salmonella infections linked to dry cereal produced at Malt-O-Meal plants in Northfield.

At least 21 cases of Salmonella agona linked to the cereals have been identified in at least 13 other states.

On April 5, the Malt-O-Meal company issued a recall due to Salmonella contamination of unsweetened puffed rice cereals and unsweetened puffed wheat cereals produced in Northfield during the past 12 months.

The recalled products have “Best If Used By” codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as APR0808) and March 18, 2009 (coded as MAR1809). Malt-O-Meal initiated the recall after its routine food safety testing detected the presence of Salmonella in a product produced on March 24.

Approximately 700 cases of salmonellosis are reported each year in Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Health news release