Kroger recalls croutons in 17 states

Sugar Foods LLC recalled certain lots of Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons on May 15 because of potential Salmonella contamination 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 recall covers 5-ounce pouches sold under the Kroger brand with UPC 0 11110 81353 4. No illnesses had been reported as of the company’s notice. The company said the action followed a supplier recall involving milk powder. ### Which croutons are included in the recall? The recalled product is Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce pouches with UPC 0 11110 81353 4, according to the FDA-posted announcement. Sugar Foods said the recall is limited to specific lots 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. The affected products were distributed between March 7, 2026, and April 7, 2026, the company said. ABC News reported the croutons were sold at Kroger stores in 17 states. ### Which states were affected? The FDA notice lists 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia. (fda.gov) ABC News separately reported the same distribution footprint, describing the products as sold at Kroger stores in those states. ### How did milk powder lead to a crouton recall? California Dairies, Inc. supplied the milk powder to Solina USA, Sugar Foods said in its recall notice. Solina USA used that ingredient in a seasoning blend that Sugar Foods buys and applies to the croutons, according to the company. (fda.gov) Sugar Foods said the affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, but the company still initiated the recall “out of an abundance of caution” after California Dairies began its own supplier recall over potential contamination in milk powder. ABC News reported California Dairies first issued that milk powder recall in April. (fda.gov) ### What is Salmonella and who faces the highest risk? The FDA notice says Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea that can be bloody, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, the notice said. In rare cases, the organism can enter the bloodstream and cause more severe illness, including arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. (fda.gov) ### What should shoppers do now? Consumers should check the UPC and “best if used by” date on any Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons they have at home against the recalled list in the FDA notice. The company’s announcement says the recall is limited to those specific lots, not every bag sold under the product name. (fda.gov) Sugar Foods told consumers with questions to call (332) 240-6676, and ABC News reported the company said the line would be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The FDA recall posting includes the full list of affected dates and product details for shoppers checking bags now. (abcnews.com) (fda.gov)