Ritz Cracker, Ritz Bits Recall Issued Over Salmonella Food Poisoning Risks

A nationwide recall has been issued for certain Ritz cheese cracker products, after it was discovered that an ingredient in the popular snack may be contaminated with Salmonella, which could increase the risk for food poisoning, especially among young children and others with a weakened immune system. 

The FDA announced a Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits recall on July 21, after receiving notice that certain whey protein products used in the production of the snacks were potentially contaminated with salmonella. To date, no illnesses have been reported in relation to the recall.

Mondelez Global LLC received notice from its supplier that the whey protein products used in certain Ritz crackers had been recalled for Salmonella contamination and could have contaminated some Ritz crackers during certain distribution ranges.

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. For a full list of the recalled products, UPC codes and “Best When Used By” dates, please visit the official recall notice.

Salmonella is a foodborne bacterium that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. For most healthy adults, problems associated with salmonella food poisoning typically resolve after a few days or weeks.

For young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, salmonella poses a particularly serious risk. If not properly treated, some cases of salmonella food poisoning can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, hospitalization, dehydration or death.

The products were manufactured by Mondelez Global LLC and were distributed across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to various grocery stores and retailers.

Customers are being asked to stop consuming the products immediately and to properly discard them to prevent further spread of contamination. Consumers with questions can call the company at 1-844-366 -1171.