Questions and Answers

STATEMENT OF THE MALT-O-MEAL® COMPANY REGARDING FOOD SAFETY ISSUES

Malt-O-Meal's highest priority is the safety of the people who consume our cereals. All ingredients from our suppliers must pass strict quality standards. Only those ingredients that have passed a rigorous approval process, including country of origin, are used in the making of Malt-O-Meal® cereals. In fact, Malt-o-Meal® requires a certificate of analysis for every incoming ingredient. Additionally, Malt-O-Meal® requires its suppliers to regularly conduct third-party audits of their facilities to verify that they are utilizing rigorous food safety systems in their handling and processing of ingredients.

Q: How do I find Malt-O-Meal® products in my community?
A: Visit our new Store Locator and do a search in your neighborhood.
Click Here to visit the Store Locator.

Q: How do I ask my favorite grocery store to carry Malt-O-Meal® brand cereals?
A: Call or write to the manager at your favorite grocery store and request they carry Malt-O-Meal® Products, or Click here and visit our web form that helps you make your request!

Q: Has my favorite Malt-O-Meal® cereal been discontinued?
A: Due to lack of consumer demand, the products shown below have been discontinued over the past few years and are no longer available:

  • Malt-O-Meal®: Balance with Berries cereal
  • Malt-O-Meal®: Toasty O’s cereal
  • Malt-O-Meal®: Perfect Balance Hot Wheat cereal
  • Malt-O-Meal®: Big Bowl Instant Oatmeal

Q: What is the best way to store Malt-O-Meal® cereals?
A: We recommend that you keep Malt-O-Meal® cereals in a cool, dry place.

Q: After Malt-O-Meal® ready-to-eat cereals are opened, how does one reclose the bag to keep the cereal fresh?
A: Now, many of our great ready-to-eat cereals have a convenient TopZip™ closure. This easy-to-use closure makes opening and reclosing simple and keeps your cereal fresh. Some consumers prefer to transfer our cereals into storage containers.

Q: Why are your products lower in price than leading box brands?
A: Ounce for ounce, Malt-O-Meal® ready-to-eat cereals cost less than the leading box brands. We are able to provide this everyday savings by limiting packaging and advertising costs and focusing on quality.

Q: How do you make Malt-O-Meal® cereals?
A: Common processes for producing ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are as follows:

  • Puffing: Whole grains or dried ingredients are exposed to high pressure and high temperatures. After the pressure and temperature have reached a certain level, the product is quickly released. This action causes the grain to puff itself inside out and the dried shapes to expand.
  • Extruding: Main ingredients are mixed together and cooked. The cooked dough is then fed to a forming extruder, which shapes the dough as desired. Extruded shapes are then dried and puffed as described above. Additional drying may be necessary.

Q: What is farina?
A: Derived from the wheat kernel, farina is produced through a milling process which removes the wheat bran and germ layer. The very middle portion of the wheat kernel - called farina - remains.

Q: What are the black flecks in Malt-O-Meal® hot wheat cereals?
A: The black flecks are malted barley, which adds a sweet, toasted grain flavor to our cereal.

Q: Is it safe to eat your cereal when it has passed its 'Best If Used By' date?
A: Yes, it is safe, but since flavor will change as the product ages, we recommend that you purchase a new package.

Q: Do you offer tours of your plant?
A: Unfortunately, for both safety and security reasons, we are unable to offer plant tours.

Q: Do you offer coupons to your consumers?
A: Yes. Consumers can watch for our product coupons in local newspapers, at retail stores, on our product packages, or through other special offers.

Q: What happened to the survey and coupon offer shown on the packaging and website?
A: Our consumer survey and coupon offer has ended. We appreciate the helpful input and feedback from our many consumers. Thanks to all who participated.