Malt-O-Meal recalls some products with dry milk

By Rachel Stockton

Malt-O-Meal has voluntarily recalled some of its products that are made with non-fat dry milk, due to a potential salmonella risk. The products in question were made from dry milk provided by the Plainview Milk Coop of Minnesota, which is recalling all of its products, including dry milk and cocoa, produced over the last two years. The company only sells to distributors.

Salmonella is a bacteria that takes up residence in the intestinal tract of certain animals, particularly reptiles, and humans. According to the CDC, 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported every year. However, the Center maintains that there are many other outbreaks that simply go unreported; for every salmonella infection that is reported, 38 infections remain under the radar.

In recent years, the following products have been recalled due to salmonella:

· In 2007 the infection was linked to peanut butter manufactured by Peter Pan and Great Value

· That year, there was also a recall of certain Banquet brand and generic chicken/turkey pot pies

Although salmonella is a bacterial ailment, antibiotics are prescribed only if the infection moves beyond the intestine (WebMd). Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain, occurring 12-72 hours after infection. Typically, doctors recommend the afflicted patient to drink plenty of fluids; those who become dehydrated may need an IV to replenish those that are lost.