The hush hush surrounding the cessation of cornflakes production of Telma (Unilever) in Israel has many wondering as the product is a mainstay in many homes and it is now missing from supermarket shelves.

According to a Ynet report, the reason is a mysterious case of contamination that has forced the company to halt production and may lead to a recall. The shortage also applies to the Deli-pecan cereal.

The report states the company tried to hide the problem, not even reporting to the Ministry of Health or the public, but the media has picked up on it nonetheless. An unspecified bacteria has been detected in the factory, compelling shutting down the production line.

Ynet tried on several occasions to contact Telma and Unilever officials for an official response, but mum is the word. No one is talking to the press for now. Ynet health affairs correspondent Rotam Elizera tried to probe the matter via Health Ministry channels, learning Unilever is not keeping the ministry in the loop either.

A “company source” is quoted saying thousands of boxes of cornflakes are currently being inspected to determine if they are safe and in the hope of determining the cause of the bacteria that halted production.

After the story hit the media, Unilever issued the following statement: “Our company regularly preforms rigorous testing of all products before they are sent to the marketplace. Sometimes, these tests result in temporary shortages of a product. However, our company never compromises on the quality and integrity of product. Of course, all the company’s products, including Telma breakfast cereals, are safe for use”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)