The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a voluntary recall involving a popular crouton product sold at Kroger stores nationwide.
Sugar Foods LLC is recalling certain lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in five-ounce pouches because of the potential for Salmonella contamination linked to a milk powder ingredient used in the seasoning blend.
The recalled product carries the UPC code 01110813534. Consumers are being urged to check packages they may have at home and avoid eating the product if it matches the recalled lot information.
According to the company, the issue stems from milk powder supplied by California Dairies Incorporated. That ingredient was later used by seasoning manufacturer Solina USA, which produces the seasoning blend Sugar Foods applies to the croutons.
Officials say the seasoning batches themselves tested negative for Salmonella before being used in production. However, the recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution following a supplier-initiated recall by California Dairies over concerns that the milk powder could potentially be contaminated.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In more severe cases, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and lead to serious complications including arterial infections, heart inflammation, or arthritis.
Health officials say healthy individuals typically recover without treatment, but anyone experiencing severe symptoms after consuming the product should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
At this time, no illnesses connected to the recalled croutons have been reported.
Consumers who purchased the affected product are encouraged to either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and says additional information will be provided if necessary.
For more details about food related and other recalls go online to fda.gov and click “Recalls”.
