If you've recently stocked up on frozen cheese bread from Meijer, Costco, Walmart, or Target, you'll want to check your freezer. Champion Foods LLC has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of certain batches of Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread due to potential Salmonella contamination, affecting products sold at more than 20 major retailers across the United States.
The recall, announced on May 29, 2026 and published by the FDA on June 1, stems from a dry milk powder ingredient supplied by California Dairies, Inc. that was used in a seasoning blend for the product's five-cheese sauce. While no illnesses have been reported and routine testing of the seasoning blend came back negative for Salmonella, Champion Foods is taking action out of an abundance of caution.
How the Recall Unfolded: What Sparked the Safety Alert
The recall chain began when California Dairies, Inc. issued its own milk powder recall over potential Salmonella concerns. That milk powder was supplied to a third-party manufacturer that produces a seasoning blend used exclusively in the Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread cheese sauce. Upon learning of the upstream ingredient concern, Champion Foods LLC — based in New Boston, Michigan — moved swiftly to recall affected lots.
"Routine testing conducted by the seasonings blend manufacturer prior to use in the production of the 5 Cheese Bread showed that the seasonings batches tested negative for Salmonella," the company stated in its FDA announcement. "However, we are taking action out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our customers."
Timeline: Key Dates in the Motor City Pizza Co. Recall
April 2026 — California Dairies, Inc. recalls dry milk powder due to potential Salmonella contamination, triggering downstream investigations by ingredient purchasers.
Late May 2026 — Champion Foods learns that a seasoning blend used in its Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread contains the recalled milk powder. The seasoning manufacturer's own testing had shown negative results, but the company errs on the side of caution.
May 29, 2026 — Champion Foods LLC officially initiates a voluntary recall of specific batches of Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread, notifying the FDA and retailers.
June 1, 2026 — The FDA publishes the recall announcement, alerting the public to check their freezers for affected products sold nationwide at retailers including Meijer, Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Jewel, Schnucks, Giant Landover, Hy-Vee, and more.
June 2–3, 2026 — News outlets nationwide amplify the recall, urging consumers to verify their purchases against the provided UPC codes and sell-by dates.
Why This Recall Matters: Understanding the Salmonella Risk
Salmonella is a bacterial organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. According to the FDA, healthy individuals infected with Salmonella typically experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
In rare circumstances, Salmonella infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe conditions, including arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis. The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States each year.
For health-conscious consumers, this recall serves as an important reminder that even trusted brands and major retailers can be affected by upstream ingredient contamination. Checking recall notices and staying informed about food safety is a critical part of maintaining a healthy diet.
Where Things Stand Now: What to Do If You Have the Product
Consumers are urged to immediately check their freezers for Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread. Here are the specific products affected:
Single Pack: UPC code 8 70375 00511 1 with sell-by dates: 2/4/2027, 2/5/2027, 2/23/2027, 2/24/2027, 3/9/2027, 3/10/2027, 3/17/2027, 3/18/2027, 3/24/2027, 3/25/2027, 4/7/2027, 4/8/2027, 4/20/2027, and 4/21/2027.
2 Pack: UPC code 8 70375 00509 8 with sell-by dates: 2/3/2027, 2/4/2027, 2/24/2027, 2/25/2027, 3/10/2027, 3/11/2027, 3/18/2027, and 3/25/2027.
The sell-by date is printed in black ink inside the cheese bread image on the front of the packaging. If you have any of these lots, do not consume the product. You can contact Champion Foods LLC at info@motorcitypizzacompany.com for more information.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Food Safety
This recall highlights the interconnected nature of the modern food supply chain, where a single contaminated ingredient can affect products across multiple brands and retailers. Champion Foods has stated it is working closely with the FDA to ensure all affected products are removed from store shelves.
For consumers, this is an opportunity to adopt proactive food safety habits: sign up for recall alerts through the FDA or USDA, regularly check your freezer and pantry against recall notices, and when in doubt, throw it out. Food safety experts also recommend keeping your freezer at 0°F or below and always cooking frozen prepared foods to the internal temperature recommended on the package — typically 165°F to kill potential pathogens like Salmonella.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Champion Foods has voluntarily recalled Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread (single and 2-packs) due to potential Salmonella contamination from a milk powder ingredient.
- Affected products were sold nationwide at Meijer, Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, and 17 other retailers.
- No illnesses have been reported, but the recall is precautionary.
- Check your freezer for the specific UPC codes (8 70375 00511 1 for singles, 8 70375 00509 8 for 2-packs) and sell-by dates listed above.
- If you have a recalled product, do not eat it. Contact Champion Foods for more information.
- Stay informed about food recalls by visiting FDA.gov/recalls regularly.
