Salmonella Scare: Kroger Croutons Recall Explained

Recently, a significant food safety alert has emerged involving a popular grocery chain and its store-brand products. The issue stems from potential Salmonella contamination in milk powder used as a seasoning ingredient. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happened, which products are affected, and what you need to do if you have them in your pantry.

What triggered the recall of Kroger croutons?

The recall was initiated by Sugar Foods LLC after it was discovered that milk powder supplied by California Dairies, Inc. may have been contaminated with Salmonella. This milk powder was used in a seasoning blend for Kroger-branded Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons. Although Sugar Foods stated that the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, the company decided to recall the product out of an abundance of caution. The recall was publicly announced by the FDA on May 18. At the time of the recall, no illnesses had been reported. This incident is part of a broader wave of recalls linked to California Dairies, affecting multiple food companies.

Salmonella Scare: Kroger Croutons Recall Explained — Source: www.fastcompany.com

Which specific product is being recalled?

Only the 5 oz Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are included in this recall. The UPC number for the affected packages is 0 11110 81353 4. The recall covers products with several Best By dates: February 17, 18, 27, 28, 2027; March 6, 9, 21, 2027; and April 1, 7, 2027. These croutons were sold in Kroger stores between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026. The products have since been removed from shelves, but consumers may still have them at home. It is important to check your pantry for this specific product and discard it if it matches the description.

In which states were the recalled croutons sold?

The Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons were distributed to Kroger stores across 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. If you purchased croutons from Kroger in any of these states during the specified time frame, you should verify the product details. The recall does not affect other stores or other Kroger products, only this specific crouton item sold in these locations.

Why is Salmonella contamination a concern?

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. Even if no illnesses have been reported yet, a recall is issued to prevent potential health risks. The milk powder used in the seasoning was supplied by California Dairies, which has been linked to several other recalls, highlighting the importance of thorough food safety checks.

What should consumers do if they have the recalled croutons?

If you have a package of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons matching the UPC and Best By dates listed, you should immediately discard the product. Do not eat them. You can also contact Sugar Foods at 332-240-6676 at any time with questions or for further guidance. The company is offering refunds or replacements. It is important to check your pantry, especially if you purchased these croutons between March and April 2026 in any of the affected states. Even if you think the product is safe, it is best to follow the recall instructions.

Are there other food products recalled for the same reason?

Yes, the recall of Kroger croutons is part of a larger recall series involving California Dairies’ milk powder. Other companies that have issued recalls include Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Utz Quality Foods, Blackstone (Parmesan ranch seasoning), Williams Sonoma Fireworks Popcorn (white cheddar seasoning), Stoltzfus Family Dairy (sour cream and onion cheese curds), Wildlife Seasoning (flavored popcorn seasoning), Giant Eagle (pita chips with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs), Fisher/Southern Style Nuts/Squirrel Brand/Good & Gather (snack mixes), Pork King Good (pork rinds and seasoning bottles), and Zapp’s/Dirty (potato products). These recalls were all prompted by potential Salmonella contamination from the same milk powder supplier.

Have there been any reported illnesses from these recalls?

As of the date of the Kroger crouton recall announcement (May 18), no illnesses had been reported to Sugar Foods. However, Salmonella infections can take several days to weeks to manifest, and cases may not be immediately linked to the recalled product. The FDA and the affected companies are monitoring the situation closely. Consumers who experience symptoms after consuming the recalled croutons should seek medical attention and report the incident to their local health department. Proactive recalls like this are common to prevent any potential outbreak.

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