A Week in Recalls: Ritz Crackers, Goldfish Crackers, etc.

Posted in Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on July 26, 2018

MakeFoodSafe.com would like to help you keep your family safe from unsafe foods from a week in recalls.  Each week we bring together a list of the current recalls.  Some recalls are issued due to undeclared allergens, which could cause serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if someone sensitive to the product consumes it.  Other recalls are issued due to contamination with harmful material or other health risk.  Check back often and evaluate your fridge, pantry, and shopping list to make sure you can identify which foods to avoid.

A Week in Recalls includes:

Mondelēz Global LLC Recalls Select Ritz Products Due to Potential Health Risk

Mondelēz Global LLC issued a recall on July 21, 2018 for certain Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bitz products in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the potential health risk, Salmonella.  

Salmonella is a microorganism that can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in normally healthy individuals.  The very young, the very old, and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for complications.  In rare cases, infection may leave the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body.  This could lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recall was initiated after the whey powder supplier used in the product issued a recall due to the potential presence of the pathogen, Salmonella.  See chart below for specific product information.

There have been no reports of illness in connection with this recall so far.  Consumers are urged to not eat the product and discard any products they may have left.  Questions may be directed to the company’s Consumer Relations specialists at 1-844-366-1171 between Monday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.

Pepperidge Farm Recalls Crackers Due to Potential Health Risk

Pepperidge Farm issued a recall for four varieties of crackers on July 23, 2018 due to the potential health risk, Salmonella.

Salmonella is a microorganism that can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in normally healthy individuals.  The very young, the very old, and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for complications.  In rare cases, infection may leave the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body.  This could lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recall was initiated after the whey powder supplier used in the product issued a recall due to the potential presence of the pathogen, Salmonella.  See chart below for specific product information.

The four varieties include: Flabor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion, Goldfish Baked with Whole Gain Xtra Cheddar, and Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel.  See chart below for specific lot information.  No other Pepperidge Farm product is included in the recall.

There are no reports of illness so far in connection with this recall.  Consumers are urged to not eat the product and to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Flowers Food, Inc Recalls Swiss Rolls and Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread Due to Potential Health Risk

Flowers Foods, Inc issued a recall on July 23, 2018 for several brand names of Swiss Rolls due to the potential health risk, Salmonella.

Salmonella is a microorganism that can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in normally healthy individuals.  The very young, the very old, and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for complications.  In rare cases, infection may leave the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body.  This could lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The recall was initiated after the whey powder supplier used in the product issued a recall due to the potential presence of the pathogen, Salmonella.  See chart below for specific product information.

The recall affects several brand names of Swiss Rolls produced under Flowers Foods including: Mrs. Freshley’s, Food Lion, H-E-B, Baker’s Treat, Market Square, and Great Value.  These products are distributed nationwide.  Captain John Derst’s Old Fashion Bread was distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Consumers are urged to not consume the product.

Kraft Heinz Foods Company Recalls Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Due to Potential Health Risk

Kraft Heinz Foods Company issued a recall on July 24, 2018 for about 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip due to the potential health hazard, Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium causing the illness botulism.

Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.  Symptoms include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with swallowing or speaking.  Weakness in other muscles or trouble breathing as well as abdominal distension and constipation are more severe symptoms.  Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if you are experiencing these symptoms

The recall was initiated after the affected product began to show signs of product separation.  This could create conditions favorable to growth of Clostridium botulinum.

See chart below for specific product information.  No other sizes, varieties, or code dates are included in the recall.

No consumer complaints or reports of illness have been indicated.

Associate Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) Recalled Dry Whey Powder Due to Potential Health Risk

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) of New Ulm, Minnesota issued a recall on July 25, 2018 for 50-pound and 25-kg bags of dry whey powder produced at the Blair, Wisconsin plant from May 1, 2018 to May 5, 2018, May 24, 2018 to May 29, 2018, June 2, 2018 to June 5, 2018, and July 7, 2018 to July 14, 2018 due to potential contamination with the health risk, Salmonella.

Salmonella is a microorganism that can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in normally healthy individuals.  The very young, the very old, and those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for complications.  In rare cases, infection may leave the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body.  This could lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

This product is not sold directly to consumers.  It is used as an ingredient in many other food products and sold directly to manufacturers and distributed by brokers with a limited amount sold for animal feed.  While all products shipped to the marketplace tested negative for Salmonella through AMPI’s routine testing program, additional product under AMPI’s routine test and hold procedures tested positive for Salmonella.  Out of caution, a recall was initiated, production at the Blair, Wisconsin plant as ceased, and an investigation is underway.

Affected lot numbers include:

• 7000.118.121.BL – 7000.118.125.BL
• 7000.118.144.BL – 7000.118.149.BL
• 7000.118.153.BL – 7000.118.156.BL
• 7000.118.158.BL – 7000.118.165.BL

All consumers who received the affected dry whey powder lots have been notified and many have already initiated recalls of their own.

This Week’s Affected Products

By: Heather Van Tassell, Contributing Writer (Non-Lawyer)