Kroger Crouton Recall Expands Over Salmonella Risk
Another major food recall is hitting grocery store shelves across the United States. Kroger has recalled select batches of its Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons after concerns emerged about possible Salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient.
It affects products distributed to stores in 17 states and adds to a growing list of food recalls connected to the same contaminated milk powder source this month. So far, no illnesses have been reported. Still, health officials are urging consumers to check their pantries immediately.
Which Kroger Croutons Were Recalled?
The affected product is:
- Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons
- 5-ounce pouch
- UPC: 0 11110 81353 4
It includes products with the following “Best If Used By” dates:
- FEB 17 27
- FEB 18 27
- FEB 27 27
- FEB 28 27
- MAR 6 27
- MAR 9 27
- MAR 21 27
- APR 1 27
- APR 7 27
The croutons were reportedly distributed between March 7 and April 7. According to the notice, the contamination risk comes from dry milk powder used in the seasoning blend.
What States Are Impacted?
The croutons were sold at Kroger locations in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Some reports also listed Arizona and Wyoming among impacted states, though official notices vary slightly by source. Consumers who purchased the croutons are advised not to eat them.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. According to the CDC, symptoms commonly include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure. Most healthy adults recover within a few days without medical treatment, but Salmonella infections can become severe or even life-threatening for:
- Young children
- Elderly adults
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
The CDC estimates Salmonella causes roughly 1.35 million illnesses and approximately 420 deaths in the United States every year.
This Is Part of a Larger Salmonella Problem
The crouton recall is not an isolated incident. Federal officials say the same dry milk powder has already triggered numerous other recalls this month involving foods like:
- Pizzas
- Chips
- Snack mixes
- Seasoning blends
- Cheese curds
- Pita chips
A separate raw dog food and an expanded chocolate recall were also announced recently over Salmonella concerns. The growing number of linked recalls highlights how one contaminated ingredient can quickly affect products across multiple food categories nationwide.
Who Issued the Recall?
It was issued by Sugar Foods LLC, the company that produces the croutons.
Consumers with questions can reportedly contact Sugar Foods directly at 332-240-6676.
The notice was shared publicly through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall database.
Kroger Has Faced Multiple Recalls in 2026
The crouton issue is only the latest one connected to Kroger this year. Recent alerts involving products sold through Kroger-owned stores have included concerns over:
- Glass fragments in frozen fried rice
- Undeclared sesame allergens
- Additional Salmonella contamination concerns
- Hazardous grill brushes with detachable wire bristles
The frequency reflects broader food safety challenges facing major retailers and manufacturers as supply chains remain increasingly interconnected. For shoppers, it also reinforces the importance of regularly checking notices, especially for shelf-stable pantry items people may not immediately suspect.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you purchased the recalled croutons, health officials recommend:
- Do not consume the product.
- Dispose of it immediately or return it to the store.
- Wash any surfaces or containers the croutons may have touched.
- Monitor for symptoms if the product was eaten recently.
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. At the moment, officials say no illnesses linked to the croutons have been confirmed.
FAQ
What Kroger product was recalled?
Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in 5-ounce bags were recalled over possible Salmonella contamination.
Why were the croutons recalled?
It was linked to dry milk powder that may have been contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
What states sold the croutons?
The products were sold in 17 states, including Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Has anyone gotten sick from the recalled croutons?
No illnesses have been reported so far.
What should I do if I bought the recalled croutons?
Do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store for a refund.
