WASHINGTON - Angry and concerned parents are firing back after learning the Kellogg's Company decided to add peanut flour to its crackers.
Many people in the food allergy community say the decision is reckless, irresponsible and could put those with life-threatening nut allergies at extreme risk.
Erin Malawer, a food allergy blogger and a mother of three, started the blog "Allergy Shmallergy" after her oldest son was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies. The goal of her blog is to help simplify life for families like hers. Her latest post is all about Kellogg's.
In her post, "A Loaded Gun For Lunch," she explains that putting a snack in a child's lunch box that was formally safe to eat but now contains an allergen could cause very serious reactions, especially if you are unaware of the change.
Because of the sudden change and with no explanation from the company, more than 27,000 people have signed a Change.org campaign asking Kellogg's to reconsider its decision.
"Without a reason, the change is a little bit confusing and it puts some of Kellogg's most vulnerable consumers at risk," said Malawer.
The food allergy blog, snacksafely.com, started the petition in hopes to make sure others are aware of the change as well.
"When a product has been safe for years, it is easy to forget to read labels every single time," explained Malawer.
Following the controversy, the company said starting in September that it will make one brand, Austin Grilled Cheese Sandwich Crackers, available without peanut products. Many with allergies say that just adds to the confusion about which one is safe to eat.
Peanut flour has been added to Keebler and Austin cheese sandwich crackers.
For Keebler:
- Keebler Club & Cheddar Sandwich Crackers
- Keebler Cheese & Cheddar Sandwich Crackers
- Keebler Pepper Jack Sandwich Crackers
- Keebler Variety Pack Sandwich Crackers
For Austin:
- Austin Cheddar Cheese Cracker Sandwiches
- Austin Grilled Cheese Cracker Sandwiches
- Austin Pepper Jack Cracker Sandwiches
- Austin Variety Pack Cracker Sandwiches