Millions Of Boxes Of Goldfish Crackers Recalled Over Whey Powder Salmonella Contamination

Another massive recall has been issued for a popular children’s snack, this time affecting millions of boxes of Goldfish crackers that may contain contaminated whey protein which could cause salmonella food poisoning.

The U.S. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on July 20, warning customers that Goldfish, Ritz crackers, and Swiss Rolls could all be contaminated with salmonella, due to tainted ingredients.

Whey protein powder was used in the popular snack foods, resulting in several massive recalls in recent days. Although no illnesses have been reported in relation to any of the recalls, the snacks are often given to children, who face a particularly high risk of serious injury from food poisoning.

One of the latest, and largest was a Goldfish recall announced by Pepperidge Farms on July 23. The recall came after an ingredient supplier notified the manufacturer that whey powder used in a seasoning applied to four varieties of its crackers may contain salmonella.

The Goldfish recall affects about 3.3 million units, including certain Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar products, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion products, Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar products, and certain Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel snacks. Pepperidge Farms released a complete list (PDF) of the UPC codes and expiration dates of the affected products.

Customers are being asked to stop consuming the potentially contaminated products immediately and to either properly discard them or return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with additional questions may contact Pepperidge Farm Customer Service at 800-679-1791.

The FDA also announced a Swiss Roll recall on July 23, affecting products sold under the brand names Mrs. Freshley’s, Food Lion, H-E-B, Baker’s Treat, Market Square and Great Value that were distributed nationwide, as well as under the brand name Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread that were distributed to stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

A third recall to stem from the whey powder contamination was announced Saturday, July 21, by Mondelez Global LLC, in which the company announced a Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits recall. The recall includes six different varieties of Ritz Bitz Cheese, some Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches, the 35 ounce Ritz Everything Cracker with Cream Cheese and two multipack Mixed Cookie Cracker Variety assortments.

Salmonella infections can cause mild to severe health consequences depending upon the individual. The bacteria may cause a healthy person to experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain whereas the young or elderly with weakened immune systems may face more severe consequences, including fatal infections.

Among pregnant women, salmonella poisoning may cause still births and miscarriages. Occasionally, salmonella infections may travel through the bloodstream and produce illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis, which can cause severe to potentially life threatening health consequences.