EXHIBIT 23A CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated August 1, 2000, included in Lincoln Snacks Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-99404) and Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-99402). ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Stamford, Connecticut, September 18, 2000