Attention, salad lovers: Your favorite topping may have just been recalled.
On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall notice for croutons sold under Kroger's brand-name products over concerns they may have been contaminated during the production process. Here's what you need to know about the recall and what to do if you have these croutons in your pantry.
What, exactly, is being recalled?
According to the notice, Sugar Foods LLC is voluntarily recalling some lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons, sold in 5-oz pouches, all of which come with the UPC (universal product code) 0 11110 81353 4. The products also came with the following use-by dates: Feb. 17, 18, 27, and 28, 2027; March 6, 9, and 21, 2027; April 1 and 7, 2027. They were distributed to Kroger stores between March 7 and April 7, 2026.
Why are these croutons being recalled?
The notice explained that the croutons are being recalled as they may be contaminated with Salmonella via a "milk powder used as an ingredient in the product." The FDA did not clarify if this was the same milk powder used in Utz chips, which were also recently recalled due to the potential presence of Salmonella in its milk powder seasoning.
Where were these croutons distributed?
According to the FDA, the croutons were sold in 17 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
How bad is Salmonella?
As the FDA explained, Salmonella is an organism that can "cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."
Those who are relatively healthy can also develop symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. "In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis," the FDA added.
What should I do if I have these croutons?
The notice stated that consumers who purchased one of the recalled crouton lots listed above can contact Sugar Foods LLC directly at 332-240-6676 for questions. While it did not state that consumers should discard the product, it's typically advisable to do so.
