Kellogg's recall

Consumer recalls are never a good thing for a company. Of course, how the recall is handled is critical for whether this turns into a public relations disaster. Nevertheless, it does leave a certain stain on their reputation. Kellogg recently issued a voluntary recall of select packages of Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals, around 28 million boxes! The issue is an unusual smell and flavor that comes from the packages' liners. But, according to Kellogg, there is no real health danger as the ingredient (which they don't name) is a common ingredient in the waxy resins on the liner. The ingredient is FDA approved, but in quantities higher than normal.

So far this has not turned into anything like the recent problems at Toyota, and if Kellogg continues to handle this in an honest, upfront manner it will easily blow over. I think their reputation would be harmed more if the recalled cereals were some of their more health-oriented brands.

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