A popular freezer staple sold at Walmart and Aldi has been pulled from shelves due to concerns about possible salmonella contamination. Health officials have expanded a warning covering several meat and poultry products made with recalled dry milk powder.
Products Affected
The recall now includes frozen chicken bacon ranch pizzas sold under Walmart's Great Value label and breakfast pizzas sold under Aldi's Mama Cozzi's brand. Specifically, Great Value thin crust chicken bacon ranch and stuffed crust chicken bacon ranch pizzas with best buy dates between February 11 and March 8, as well as the stuffed crust variety with a best buy date of April 13, are affected. At Aldi, the recalled Mama Cozzi's breakfast pizzas include the biscuit crust sausage and cheese breakfast pizza, and the breakfast pizza with cooked pork belly crumbles, cooked bacon topping, pepper, and onion.
Reason for Recall
Officials state that the concern stems from dry milk powder used in these products, which may be contaminated with salmonella. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized that customer health and safety is always a top priority, adding that the company has issued a sales restriction and removed the product from impacted stores while working with the supplier to investigate.
Consumer Advice
Health officials urge customers not to eat the affected products, even if thoroughly cooked, due to the potential salmonella risk. Shoppers should check their freezers and either discard any impacted items or return them to the store for a full refund. To date, no illnesses have been officially linked to the recalled pizzas.
Health Implications
Salmonella bacteria invade and destroy the cells lining the intestines, making it difficult for the body to absorb water and resulting in stomach cramps and diarrhea. In rare, life-threatening cases, salmonella can lead to infections in the brain, bones, joints, heart lining, or urinary system, causing complications such as meningitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, or sepsis. Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are at highest risk for severe complications and may require intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and close medical monitoring.
This recall is part of a growing list of products linked to contaminated dry milk powder, putting more fan-favorite foods at risk of salmonella contamination.
