Kellogg criminal probe underway after graphic “urinating” video surfaces

Mar. 14, 2016 – A criminal investigation is underway after a video surfaced online showing a man urinating on a Kellogg factory assembly line, the company said.

The company says it learned of the video early Friday morning and immediately alerted law enforcement authorities and regulators. A criminal investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation.

Paul Norman, president of Kellogg North America, says the company has also launched a full-scale internal investigation.

“As president of Kellogg’s North American business, and on behalf of the 33,000 members of our Kellogg family around the world, I am deeply sorry and saddened,” he said. “Kellogg takes this situation very seriously and we are shocked and disappointed. This person’s conduct is unacceptable. We are working closely with the authorities to identify the individual, fire him if he still works at the plant and prosecute him to the full extent of the law.”

The graphic video shows a man urinating on an assembly line, then panning to a sign with the Kellogg logo. Kellogg said its own investigation determined the video was recorded at its Memphis, Tenn., factory in 2014.

“We have identified the food potentially involved and determined that any products that could have been potentially impacted would be very limited and past their expiration dates,” he continued. Products that were potentially impacted include Rice Krispies Treats, granola clusters used in a couple of products, and a few other puffed rice treats that it no longer make.

“While this behaviour was disgusting and criminal, this type of situation is a food quality issue and does not present a food safety risk,” added Norman.

— With files from The Associated Press