Recalled Whey Protein May Pose Salmonella Risk in Additional Snack Foods

Salmonella contaminated whey protein ingredients, which have resulted in massive recalls for Ritz Bits and Goldfish crackers, may have also been used in other popular snack foods, according to a recent statement issued by federal health regulators. 

In a update issued late last week, the FDA warned consumers that additional snack food recalls may be needed due to a risk of salmonella food poisoning linked to dry whey powder manufactured by Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) of Ulm, Minnesota.

The FDA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies are investigating the facility where the ingredient was manufactured and processed, and working to identify other companies that may have used the recalled whey protien, to determine whether other food still on store shelves may be contaminated with Salmonella.

AMPI announced a whey powder recall on July 24, and temporarily shut down production at its Blair, Wisconsin plant while federal officials investigate the source of contamination. AMPI announced they are collaborating with the federal agencies to take all necessary remedial actions.

To date, no cases of food poisoning or illness have been reported in relation to the recall, but millions of popular snack foods have been removed from store shelves due the risk of salmonella, which can pose a particularly serious risk for young children, who are often the primary consumers of the recalled snacks.

On July 23, Pepperidge Farms recalled issued a Goldfish recall affecting millions of boxes of popular children’s snacks. According to the manufacturer, an estimated 3.3 million units are included in the recall 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.

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.

The first recall linked to the whey powder contamination was announced 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.