Nabisco Accused Of Selling "Toxic" Tasting Crackers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There are complaints all over the internet about popular crackers, that taste and smell really bad. People are venting on twitter with the hashtag stinky crackers. These complaints are about Nabisco graham crackers having a "strong chemical odor" similar to "paint fumes." Some use the word "rancid" to describe both the taste and smell. A few people say they felt sick after eating the crackers.
Graham crackers are a staple in most kitchens across the country, but there are concerns about a nasty odor.
"It smells like paint," said Vanessa Brown, who was worried after her daughter rook a bite of a cracker and felt sick. "She said the taste was just horrible and smelled like chemicals. I'm thinking, Oh my God, are they poisonous?"
Nabisco says the problem with Vanessa's crackers was they were opened 10 months past they "best used by date". Adding, "Manufacturers put those dates on products to indicate to consumers the time period in which they can ensure an optimal product experience."
But, Stan Flewelling says he bought his box several months before the best used by date.
"I definitely think there's a problem with the product," Flewelling said.
There are complaints from all over the country online. Nabisco customers have descriptions like "hideous smell", "tasted like poison", "stung my mouth", and "reeked of chemicals". There's even a twitter page dedicated to the issue called, "Stinky Crackers".
"It's very strong, it actually choked me," said Jon Trlfa, who runs a food safety lab.
Jon tested the crackers and many people, like Vanessa, are interested in the results.
"You give them to your kids, and you're concerned. What's going into their system? What's going into their body?" Vanessa said.
The test showed a high level of a chemical that's found in foods that have gone rancid. One expert said the smell would probably keep people from consuming enough for it to become harmful. A spokesperson for the company that now owns Nabisco says the crackers have been reformulated and the product that resulted in the complaints is no longer on the market. Consumers can report concerns by calling 1-800-NABISCO or by going to the company's website.
