Feds Launch Probe into Kellogg Cereal Recall

WASHINGTONThe House Committee on Energy and Commerce launched an investigation into Kellogg Co.s June 25 recall of more than 28 million boxes of cereal due to customer complaints of an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell coming from the liner in the package, which was caused by the petrochemical methylnaphthalene.

On Aug. 2, Chairmen Henry A. Waxman and Bart Stupak sent a letter to Kellogg Company President and CEO David MacKay requesting information about the companys safety procedures, including requests for documents detailing how it makes its cereal and what precautions it takes to keep 2-methylnapthalene out of its products and packaging.

Methylnaphthalene, which comes in two forms, is a component of crude oil and coal tar and also may be formed as a pyrolytic byproduct from the combustion of tobacco, wood, petroleum-based fuels and coal," according to the U.S. 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.

Kelloggs has until Aug. 16 to respond to the request. Click here to read the entire letter.