Special K recall: Red Berries cereal may contain glass

Special K recall involves 36,000 boxes of Special K Red Berries cereal that was distributed nationwide. The Special K recall is the latest in a series of manufacturing issues that have plagued the Kellogg company over the past few years.

The Kellogg Company is recalling 36,000 boxes of its Special K Red Berries cereal that could contain pieces of glass.

The recall affects three different sized packages of Red Berries cereal, with “Use by” dates between Nov. 30, 2013 and Dec. 2, 2013. No resulting injuries have been reported, according to a release on the Battle Creek, Mich-based food producer’s website. The cereal was distributed nationwide. The boxes have and KXA, KXB or KXC as part of the “Better if Used Before” date.

The affected packages can be identified by their sizes, UPC codes, and expiration dates, which are listed below:

11.2-ounce package
     - UPC Code 38000 59923
     - Better if Used Before: DEC 02 2013 KNC 105 00:13 through DEC 02 2013 KNC 105 02:30

22.4-ounce twin pack
     - UPC Code 38000 78356
     - Better if Used Before:
         - NOV 30 2013 KNA 105 07:00 to NOV 30 2013 KNA 105 08:51
         - NOV 30 2013 KNB 105 15:00 to NOV 30 KNB 105 17:05

37-ounce package
     - UPC Code 38000 20940
     - Better if Used Before:  NOV 30 2013 KNB 107 17:31 to NOV 30 2013 KNB 107 20:05

No other sizes are involved, nor are any other Special K or Kellogg’s products. Cereal distributed and sold in Canada is also unaffected.

“Please check any packages you have in your home and if your package matches the criteria, please do not eat the product and contact us for a replacement coupon,” the Kellogg’s release reads. “We may also make arrangements to retrieve the product for further evaluation. “

“All of our processes will be thoroughly reviewed and appropriate actions will be taken to help prevent this situation from happening in the future,” it continues.

Those who have purchased a recalled package can contact Kellogg’s Consumer Affairs via email or snail mail by clicking here, or by calling 1-800-962-1413 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Kellogg’s, which also manufactures breakfast products including Pop Tarts, Eggo Waffles, and breakfast bars, has had issues with cereal contamination before. In October, 2.8 million boxes of Frosted and unfrosted Mini-Wheats were recalled because of possible contamination with metal mesh – a result of a manufacturing snafu. In 2010, the company recalled four popular cereal brands – Corn Pops, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, and Honey Smacks – due to a foul smell and flavor resulting from a packaging problem. 

The Special K recall is small in comparison, but surely unwelcome when piled on top of the company’s other manufacturing issues. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kellogg’s spent upwards of $130 million correcting supply chain problems last year.

Kellogg Co. stock fell 0.37 percent in early morning trading, to $59.77 per share.