Kroger has issued a recall for its Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that an ingredient used in the product may be contaminated with salmonella. The recall affects customers across 17 states.
Recall Details
The affected crouton products were sold at Kroger stores between March 7 and April 7, 2025. The recall stems from the dry milk powder used in the croutons, which was found to be potentially contaminated with salmonella bacteria. This is not the first recall linked to this ingredient; earlier this month, the same dry milk powder was tied to multiple pizza and pork rind products sold at Aldi and Walmart.
Products Affected
The recalled items include Kroger's Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons. The recall spans Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Salmonella Risk
Salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, an infection that spreads through contaminated food or water, contact with infected animals, or exposure to contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. Most people recover without treatment, but infections can become serious for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Recent Recalls
So far this month, 10 recalls and one public health alert have been issued over possible salmonella contamination, with all but two connected to the same recalled dry milk powder. Snack products, including Zapp's chips and Dirty potato chips made by Utz Quality Foods, as well as several snack mixes, were also pulled from shelves because of the ingredient. Additionally, a raw dog food product was recalled this month, and an earlier recall involving certain Spring & Mulberry chocolate bars was expanded.
Consumer Guidance
According to the FDA, no illnesses connected to the croutons have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million illnesses and 420 deaths in the United States each year. The Daily Mail has reached out to Kroger for comment.
