Petrochemical Blamed for Kelloggs Cereal Recall

WASHINGTONThe Environmental Working Group announced that Kelloggs confirmed the petrochemical methylnaphthalene was the culprit that led to its recently recall of nearly 30 million boxes of Kellogg's® Apple Jacks®, Kellogg's® Corn Pops®, Kellogg's® Froot Loops® and Kellogg's® Honey Smacks® due to customer complaints of an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell coming from the liner in the package.

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 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.

What little we do know about the history of this chemical is checkered at best, said EWG senior scientist Dave Andrews. Millions of pounds are produced every year, and this chemical is turning up in the packaging for popular cereals marketed toward children. I think its important for federal public health agencies like the EPA and FDA to know everything there is to know about the possible risks this fossil fuel could pose to peoples health.

In a statement to Food Safety News, Kelloggs said: "Kellogg Co. has concluded its investigation into the off smells present in the package liners in some of its cereals. Working with external experts in medicine, toxicology, public health, chemistry and food safety, we identified elevated levels of hydrocarbons, including methylnaphthalene, normally found in the paraffin wax and film in the liners."

According to Kellogg's, this specific wax is commonly used as a protective coating for foods including cheese, raw fruits, and vegetables, and is approved by the FDA.

"We have verified that the elevated levels of hydrocarbons are not present at harmful levels. We are working with our supplier to ensure that this situation does not happen again," the statement said.