The 10 digit code on Kellogg’s cereal boxes is an important tool for consumers. This code allows customers to identify key information about the cereal inside the box. By finding and understanding this code, buyers can learn details like the production date, plant location, and more. This helps ensure freshness and enables tracing in the event of a recall. Overall, the 10 digit code is a quick way for Kellogg’s shoppers to gain insight on their breakfast foods.
What is the 10 Digit Code?
The 10 digit code on Kellogg’s cereals is known as the “product date code.” This special numbering system allows the company and consumers to find out specifics about when and where the cereal was produced. Kellogg’s prints this code on all boxes and bags of their cereals. It typically contains both numbers and letters.
Here is an example Kellogg’s product date code:
01AV701273
This code contains 10 characters total. The first two digits (“01”) identify the production day. The next letter indicates the production month (“A” represents January). The following letter shows the production year (“V” = 2022). The final four digits (“7012”) tell the manufacturing plant location.
So for this example, the cereal was produced on January 1, 2022 at plant #7012. This allows Kellogg’s and shoppers to pinpoint the age and origin of the product.
Where to Find the Code
The 10 digit Kellogg’s cereal code can be located in one of several places on a package:
– Along the bottom of the front/side panel
– Printed on a side/back panel
– On the bottom of the box
– Under the nutrition facts
– Beside the “best by” date
In most cases, it will be imprinted directly on the box in black ink. Customers should look along the sealed edges for the imprinted numbering.
On bags and pouches, the code may be printed directly on the back or along a side seam. Again, it will typically be in black ink and contain 10 numerical characters.
The product date code is frequently near the UPC barcode or other production codes like a plant number. So that general area is a good starting point in the search.
How to Read & Understand the Code
Interpreting the 10 digit Kellogg’s cereal code just takes some basic knowledge about what each character signifies:
Positions 1-2: This two-digit number represents the day of production, ranging from 01 to 31.
Position 3: This letter indicates the month of production based on the following:
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
J = September
K = October
L = November
M = December
Position 4: Here the letter corresponds to the year of production as follows:
V = 2022
W = 2023
X = 2024
Y = 2025
Z = 2026
Positions 5-10: The final six digits identify the specific Kellogg’s plant where the cereal was manufactured. For example, 7012 means the cereal was made at Plant #7012.
So by interpreting the code positions, shoppers can gain insight on when and where their cereal was made. This allows verification of freshness and can aid investigations if products are recalled.
Why Is the Code Important?
There are several key reasons why the 10 digit code on Kellogg’s cereals is an important tool for consumers:
– It provides the production date, so customers can ensure freshness and quality. Newer cereals will taste better.
– Consumers can identify where the cereal was made. This may matter for those who wish to purchase locally.
– In the case of a food safety recall, the codes allow faster tracing to identify affected boxes. Shoppers can check if they have a recalled product.
– The code helps Kellogg’s improve quality control, pinpointing production runs and plants. Problems can be addressed at specific sites.
– Detailed date information assists grocery stores in managing inventory by rotation. Newer boxes can be placed behind older ones.
– For promotional contests like games pieces, the code provides verification details. Customers can confirm legitimacy and timing.
So in multiple ways, both Kellogg’s and its shoppers benefit from the 10 digit cereal code. It provides key date, location and product details.
How to Store Cereal Using the Code
The 10 digit date code can assist shoppers in properly storing and organizing boxes of Kellogg’s cereal at home. Here are some tips for maximizing freshness using the code:
– Check dates at the store when selecting boxes to purchase the freshest available.
– Upon returning home, examine codes and sort boxes by production dates.
– For opened bags, write the date you opened on the box to track shelf life.
– When multiple boxes are open, eat oldest cereals first before newer ones.
– Place newly purchased boxes behind existing inventory to rotate stock.
– Store unopened boxes in a cool, dry pantry away from sunlight to prolong freshness.
– Discard any opened cereals that smell or taste stale. Refer to best by dates.
– Freeze extra boxes to retain freshness if you buy in bulk or see big sales.
Following these guidelines allows customers to get the most shelf life and flavor from their favorite Kellogg’s cereals. And the 10 digit code makes it easy to implement.
How to Identify If Your Cereal Box Is Part of a Recall
In cases where Kellogg’s cereals are recalled for potential contamination or defects, consumers can use the 10 digit code to identify impacted boxes. Follow these steps:
1. Note the product name, code date, plant number and any other details provided in the recall announcement.
2. Examine your cereal boxes and look for those matching specifics. Focus on the code date and plant identification numbers.
3. Check boxes against recall notifications on the Kellogg’s website or FDA announcements to see if they fall within the impacted ranges.
4. Look to see if you have any of the exact item names and production codes listed in the announcements.
5. Compare the “best by” dates on your boxes against the recalled date ranges.
6. For any cereals that match the recall criteria, seal them in a bag and discard per instructions. Mark recall details on the bag.
7. For help or questions, call Kellogg’s Consumer Affairs at 1-800-962-1413. Representatives can assist in reading codes.
8. Report any illnesses or symptoms experienced after consuming recalled products.
Carefully examining the 10 digit codes allows consumers to catch potentially dangerous products and remove them from homes and pantries. This protects shoppers and provides valuable data to Kellogg’s.
Common Questions about Kellogg’s Cereal Codes
What if I can’t find the code on my cereal box?
Kellogg’s prints the 10 digit code on all their cereal packaging, but in some cases it may be obscured or faded. Try examining all sides and seams closely under good lighting. Tilt the box and feel for impressions in the cardboard. If still not visible, contact Kellogg’s Consumer Affairs for assistance.
Are the codes unique to each box?
Yes, the production day, month, year and plant data allow Kellogg’s to trace every box uniquely. No two packages will carry the exact same full code.
What about cereal bowls, bags and pouches?
Kellogg’s also prints date codes on all other cereal packages like bowls, bags and pouches. Check the side seams and bottoms for the 10 digit imprinted numbering.
Can I find out the sell by date from the code?
No, the 10 digit code only provides production details. The printed “sell by” or “best if used by” date shows recommended shelf life for grocers.
Are codes unique to countries or regions?
Yes, Kellogg’s uses different code formats and plant numbers on cereals produced in other countries outside the United States and Canada.
Why are some digits blurred or unclear on the code?
Ink imperfections can obscure parts of the date code. As long as the major positions are visible, consumers can still determine the key production details.
How often does Kellogg’s change the code system?
The basic 10 digit coding system has been in place for many years. But Kellogg’s may periodically update plant numbers and year letters on packages.
Decoding Other Kellogg’s Product Codes
Beyond cereal boxes, Kellogg’s also prints special codes on other food products to trace quality and freshness:
– Eggo Frozen Waffles – 10 digit manufacturing code imprinted on the seam or edge.
– Kellogg’s crackers – 8 digit production code often found on large sleeve packages.
– Kellogg’s to-go snacks – 8 digit code printed on bottom of single serve cups and bowls.
– Kellogg’s fruit snacks – 8 digit code on bottom of pouches.
– Kellogg’s cookies – 6 digit code may be on wrappers or cartons.
While formats vary by item, all Kellogg’s codes share the ability to identify time and location of production for quality control. Consumers can use them to ensure freshness when purchasing and storing.
Contacting Kellogg’s About Code Questions
If shoppers need any assistance reading or understanding Kellogg’s cereal and product codes, they can reach out to Kellogg’s Consumer Affairs for help:
Phone: 1-800-962-1413
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/contact-us.html
When contacting, have the package available with the code visible. Representatives can help decipher hard-to-read characters or faded prints. They can also assist with reading and verifying codes for any recalls.
Conclusion
The 10 digit code printed on Kellogg’s cereal boxes provides important production details for both the company and its shoppers. By locating and properly interpreting this code, consumers can check freshness, storage, plant origin, recall eligibility and more. While formats vary on other Kellogg’s foods like waffles and fruit snacks, all codes allow tracking to enhance quality and safety. So take a moment to find the code before your next bowl of corn flakes or granola. Knowing how to read it unlocks valuable insights on your morning cereal.