• The Washington Post, Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:32 AM

Parents of children who have peanut allergies are concerned, to say the least, about General Mills' new Multi Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios. “People are very upset about it,” said Gina Clowes, founder of Allergy Moms, a national support group. “I know some allergy families that currently buy Cheerios are vowing not to buy them at all for fear of cross contact while processing and to avoid confusion in their own homes.”

Said a spokeswoman from General Mills, “Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter contains peanuts. Cheerios has a commitment to allergen management. We can say with complete confidence that MultiGrain Peanut Butter Cheerios will not cross-contaminate other Cheerios varieties. Currently, Honey Nut Cheerios, Banana Nut Cheerios, and Oat Cluster Cheerios Crunch contain almond.  Only Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter contains peanuts. All other varieties, including original Cheerios, Multi Grain Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Chocolate Cheerios, Cinnamon Burst Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, and Yogurt Burst Cheerios, do not contain nuts.

The spokesperson has not said whether General Mills will consider changing the appearances of the new Cheerios so that children might know the difference.

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