Kroger recalls Homestyle cheese croutons

Sugar Foods LLC has recalled certain lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons after identifying a potential salmonella contamination risk tied to milk powder used in the product, according to a company announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 18. The company said the recall was announced May 15 and affects 5-ounce pouches sold under the Kroger brand. The products were distributed to Kroger stores in 17 states between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026. (fda.gov) Sugar Foods said no illnesses had been reported as of the recall notice. ### Which croutons are part of the recall? (fda.gov) The recalled product is Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce pouches with UPC 0 11110 81353 4, the FDA notice said. The recall is limited to pouches marked with these “best if used by” dates: Feb. 17, 2027; Feb. 18, 2027; Feb. 27, 2027; Feb. 28, 2027; March 6, 2027; March 9, 2027; March 21, 2027; April 1, 2027; and April 7, 2027. ### Which states received the recalled product? Sugar Foods said the croutons were shipped to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia. (fda.gov) ABC News, citing the recall announcement, reported the same 17-state distribution list. ### Why were the croutons recalled? California Dairies supplied the milk powder involved in the recall to Solina USA, which makes the seasoning blend Sugar Foods applies to the croutons, according to the FDA-posted company announcement. (fda.gov) Sugar Foods said the affected seasoning batches tested negative for salmonella before use, but the company initiated the recall after a supplier-triggered recall by California Dairies over concerns about possible contamination in the milk powder. Sugar Foods said it acted “out of an abundance of caution” based on that ingredient recall. ### What is the immediate risk to consumers? (fda.gov) Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, the FDA notice said. Food Safety News reported that the croutons’ shelf life extends into 2027, raising the possibility that some consumers may still have the product at home. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, typically beginning 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. ### What should shoppers do now? Consumers who bought the recalled croutons should check the package size, UPC and use-by date against the recall notice before eating the product. (fda.gov) Sugar Foods said customers with questions can contact the company at (332) 240-6676, with the line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The FDA recall page also includes the lot details and product photos referenced in the company announcement. ### Is this tied to other recent recalls? The FDA notice said the crouton recall followed a supplier recall by California Dairies involving milk powder. ABC News reported that the California Dairies action was first issued in April and has since been linked to a number of other recalls of consumer packaged goods. (fda.gov) The next practical step for shoppers is to compare any Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons on hand against the listed 2027 use-by dates and the UPC in the FDA notice.