A massive food recall is sweeping grocery store shelves nationwide, with dozens of popular snack products being pulled due to potential salmonella contamination. The recalls affect everything from potato chips and trail mixes to hot cocoa mixes and cheese curds, spanning well-known brands including Fisher nuts, Utz potato chips, Ghirardelli beverages, and Good & Gather trail mix sold at Target. The sweeping action stems from a single source: a voluntarily recalled dry milk powder distributed by California Dairies, Inc. that was used as an ingredient in seasonings and flavorings across multiple products.
How the Recall Unfolded: From Milk Powder to Your Pantry
The chain of recalls began in April 2026 when California Dairies, Inc. voluntarily recalled bulk dry milk powder and buttermilk due to the potential presence of salmonella. That ingredient, used by numerous third-party seasoning manufacturers, has now triggered a cascade of downstream recalls affecting dozens of consumer products. "The massive recall is due to a type of bulk powdered milk and buttermilk that was distributed by a third party and used in many seasonings and snack products," TODAY.com reported, citing FDA recall notices. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with any of the recalled items, but companies are taking precautionary measures.
Timeline: How the Salmonella Recall Cascade Developed
April 2026 — California Dairies, Inc. voluntarily recalls dry milk powder and buttermilk over potential salmonella contamination. April 27, 2026 — Ghirardelli announces a voluntary recall of 13 types of powdered beverage mixes, including frappes and hot cocoa mixes intended for food service. May 5, 2026 — John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. recalls multiple snack mix products under the Fisher, Southern Style Nuts, Squirrel Brand, and Good & Gather brands. May 6, 2026 — Legacy Snack Solutions recalls Giant Eagle pita chips; JCB Flavors recalls Wildlife Seasoning popcorn topping; Jonco Industries recalls Williams Sonoma popcorn products. May 7-12, 2026 — Additional recalls are announced and reported by major news outlets, with the FDA continuing to monitor the situation.
Beyond the Headlines: The Full Scope of the Recall
While the milk powder recall is the root cause, the consumer impact is far-reaching. The affected seasoning batches tested negative for salmonella prior to use, and companies are taking action as a precaution. Here is a breakdown of every major brand and product affected:
John B. Sanfilippo & Son Snack Mixes — Recalled products include Fisher Tex Mex Trail Mix (30 oz), Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix (23 oz and 36 oz), Southern Style Nuts Hunter Mix (30 oz), Squirrel Brand Traveler's Mix (16 oz), Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix (7.5 oz and 16 oz), and Good & Gather Mexican Street Corn Trail Mix (8 oz) sold at Target. Best-by dates range from early 2027 to mid-2027.
Utz Potato Chips — Zapp's and Dirty brand chips were recalled, including Zapp's Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, and Big Cheezy varieties, along with Dirty brand Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, and Sour Cream and Onion chips. All have best-by dates in July or August 2026.
Ghirardelli Beverage Mixes — Thirteen types of large-format powdered drink mixes were recalled, including Chocolate Frappe, Classic White Frappe, Premium Hot Cocoa, and Mocha Frappe mixes. These were primarily intended for food service but may have been available to consumers online.
Other Affected Products — Pork King Good recalled three lots of Sour Cream & Onion seasoning; Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic & Herb were recalled; JCB Flavors recalled Wildlife Seasoning Popping Topping; Jonco Industries recalled Williams Sonoma-branded popcorn gift boxes; and Stoltzfus Family Dairy recalled Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds sold in New York.
Where Things Stand Now: Latest Updates
The FDA continues to work with downstream companies to determine whether additional recalls are necessary. Many of the recalled products were sold nationwide at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Kroger, Giant Eagle, and Amazon, as well as through QVC. The affected items were distributed across the United States, with some regional products limited to specific states such as New York (cheese curds) and the Mid-Atlantic region (Giant Eagle pita chips). Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled items are urged not to consume them and to return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
What Happens Next: Protecting Your Health
Salmonella infections typically cause symptoms including nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache within 8 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. While most healthy adults recover without medical treatment, vulnerable groups including elderly adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications. If you believe you may have a salmonella infection and symptoms persist beyond a few days, or if you develop a high fever or bloody stools, seek medical attention. Consumers with questions about specific recalls can contact John B. Sanfilippo & Son customer service toll-free at (800) 874-8734 or check the FDA's recall alerts page for ongoing updates.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- A dry milk powder recall by California Dairies, Inc. has triggered recalls across dozens of popular snack brands.
- Affected products include trail mixes, chips, popcorn, drink mixes, seasonings, and cheese curds from brands like Fisher, Utz, Ghirardelli, and Good & Gather.
- No illnesses have been reported, but recalls are precautionary due to potential salmonella contamination.
- Check your pantry for affected products and return them to the store for a full refund.
- Salmonella symptoms appear 8-72 hours after exposure; seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
