Kroger gets swept up in the growing wave of Salmonella snack food recalls: Avoid this product sold in 17 states

Grocery giant Kroger Co. is the latest in a growing number of companies whose brands have been impacted by potential Salmonella contamination involving milk powder.

California-based Sugar Foods LLC is recalling some of its Kroger-branded Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons. The product used milk powder that may have been contaminated by Salmonella, according to a recall notice shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday, May 18. 

The milk powder was supplied by California Dairies, Inc, the same company linked to other recent Salmonella recalls. 

“The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use,” Sugar Foods stated in its FDA announcement. “Out of an abundance of caution, and because this milk powder was used in a seasoning ingredient supplied to Sugar Foods, the company is initiating this recall.”

Sugar Foods had received no reports of illness at the time of the recall. 

Which products are affected? 

Only the 5 oz Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are part of the recall. The UPC number for affected products is 0 11110 81353 4. However, the recall spans a number of best by dates:

• Best by February 17, 2027
• Best by February 18, 2027
• Best by February 27, 2027
• Best by February 28, 2027
• Best by March 6, 2027
• Best by March 9, 2027
• Best by March 21, 2027
• Best by April 1, 2027
• Best by April 7, 2027

The products are past their best-by dates and no longer on store shelves. However, consumers may have them in their homes. Photos of the affected product are available here. 

Where was the product sold?

The Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons were sold in Kroger stores between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026, in these states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin
• West Virginia 

What should I do if I have this product?

If you have impacted Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons then discard them. You can contact Sugar Foods at 332-240-6676 at any time to ask questions.  

What products are included in the recalls? 

Sugar Foods joins the likes of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and Utz Quality Foods LLC, both of which issued recalls due to potential Salmonella contamination in the last month. As of May 18, the full list of recalls tied to California Dairies is as follows: 

• Sugar Foods (Cheese garlic croutons) 
• 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)
• Zapp’s, Dirty (Potato chips)
• Ghirardelli (Powdered beverage mix)

California Dairies has not responded to multiple requests for comments about the recalls. 

What Salmonella symptoms should I look out for? 

Have you consumed any of the affected products? Look out for Salmonella symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Take special care with young children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system as they have a greater risk of infection.

The Cleveland Clinic has further information on Salmonella infection symptoms.

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