Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a favorite breakfast cereal of children throughout the nation. The sweet cereal is even more fun when it is served from a miniature single serve box. Pittsburgh area parents who have purchased single-serve packages of the General Mills cereal will likely want to check the "Better if Used By" date on the package. This is because some of the product has been recalled as a result of the possibility that it contained salmonella.

Very little of the product has actually been recalled, in total 168 cases. The affected cereal is the reduced-sugar variety limited to the single-serve packages. The dates found on the package were Aug. 31 and Sept. 2. It is not clear why this specific batch has been identified as possibly containing salmonella.

Readers may be aware of the symptoms of salmonella. In some cases it could result in stomach discomfort in the form of vomiting, cramping, fever and diarrhea. Though in most people the illness passes quickly, as is the case with many illnesses, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems could face more severe and dangerous consequences. In the worst cases it could even lead to death. 

According to General Mills, as of yet no one has reported becoming ill as a result of consuming the cereal. The manufacturer is offering to replace the defective product.

As salmonella can more seriously impact young children who may be consuming the cereal, either dry or with milk, it is fortunate that no illnesses appear to have occurred. Should any illnesses develop however, it is possible that legal action could be taken against the food manufacturer. 

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "General Mills Recalls Cinnamon Toast Crunch Products for Possible Salmonella Presence," Nathalie Tadena, June 4, 2013